Status Orange Rain Warning for Cork - 21:00 until 05:00
Cork braces for a wet night ahead, with conditions expected to be at their worst between 21:00 and 03:00.
We should prepare for a night of heavy rain and thundery downpours as a Status Orange weather warning comes into effect this evening, with both local authorities activating emergency response teams.
Met Éireann issued the orange-level rain warning on Friday afternoon, which will be valid from 21:00 tonight, Saturday 18th October, until 05:00 tomorrow morning, Sunday 19th October. The warning follows a Status Yellow alert that began at 17:00 this evening.
The national forecaster has warned of possible river flooding, particularly in mountainous areas, and very difficult travelling conditions across the county. A deep Atlantic low pressure system is expected to bring rainfall totals of 25 to 40mm within a six-hour period, with the heaviest bursts occurring during Saturday evening and early night.
Both Cork City Council and Cork County Council convened meetings of their Severe Weather Assessment Teams on Friday evening in response to the orange warning. Following consultation with Met Éireann, local authorities expect the heaviest rainfall to impact west County Cork, though Cork City is still forecast to experience significant yellow-level rainfall.
Cork City Council advises that whilst widespread flooding is not expected in the city, localised flooding may occur where debris blocks gullies. No tidal flooding in the city centre is predicted. The council confirmed that travelling conditions from Saturday evening into Sunday morning will be challenging, with possible surface water ponding and debris on roads continuing into Sunday morning despite the warning period ending at 05:00.
Cork County Council deployed inspection crews on Friday afternoon to check known risk locations across the county. Pumping arrangements will be in place at problem locations, and crews will continue monitoring throughout the weekend.
Motorists are being strongly advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise particular caution around vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians. Peak wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h are forecast inland, with exposed coastal areas potentially experiencing gusts exceeding 110 km/h.
Weather charts indicate visibility will be very poor during the heaviest rain and near zero on higher ground. Temperatures will remain mild overnight, holding between 11°C and 13°C.
The weather is expected to improve significantly by Sunday morning as the low pressure system clears north-eastwards. However, a secondary wave approaching from the south-west may bring renewed rain to Munster during Sunday evening, with further showers possible overnight into Monday.
Those experiencing weather-related issues should contact Cork City Council on 021 4966512 or Cork County Council on 021 4800048. In emergency situations, call 999 or 112. Water supply disruptions should be reported to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.