Orange Rainfall Warning Active for Cork Until 6pm

Met Éireann's Orange level rainfall warning for Cork and Kerry remains in effect until 18:00 this evening, with significant accumulations expected on high ground and the highest totals anticipated in Kerry and West Cork.

The warning, issued yesterday morning at 08:55, came into effect at 03:00 this morning and will remain in place until 18:00 tonight.

Heavy rain continues to affect Ireland through today, with Cork forming part of a wider weather event impacting the western seaboard. The national weather service has warned of significant river and surface water flooding as a result of the ongoing rainfall.

Gerry Murphy, Meteorologist, said:

"The heavy, persistent rainfall forecasted will bring a high risk of river flooding across western parts of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Donegal for later Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and into Monday 15th December, as the soils are saturated and river levels high."

Motorists are advised to expect hazardous travelling conditions and poor visibility throughout the affected areas.

Gerry Murphy added:

"In recent weeks, the weather over Ireland has been very unsettled with spells of heavy rain moving across the country. Many rivers are swollen and approaching bank-full conditions."

A weather front moved eastwards over Ireland yesterday, becoming slow-moving over the country. Spells of heavy rain fed in from the southwest through last night and continue today, expected to clear for a time tonight before eventually clearing early on Monday.

Cork and Kerry are the only counties under an Orange level warning, reflecting the highest rainfall totals expected in these areas. Yellow level rainfall warnings have been issued for other counties.

An Orange warning is the second-highest level of alert issued by Met Éireann and indicates that weather conditions pose a threat to life and property. The public are advised to take action to protect themselves and their property from the impacts of severe weather.

Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor local conditions closely and consider moving vehicles to higher ground where possible. Those travelling through Cork or Kerry today should allow extra time for journeys and exercise caution on the roads.