Status Yellow Rainfall Warning Issued for Cork This Weekend
Heavy rain expected with localised flooding and poor visibility. Plan journeys carefully.
Looks like we should prepare for heavy rain spells this weekend as Met Éireann has issued a Yellow rainfall warning covering the county and 13 other regions across the east and southeast of Ireland.
The national weather service issued the warning this afternoon at 13:40, with the alert coming into effect at midnight on Saturday and remaining in place until midnight on Sunday.
Cork is among 14 counties under the warning, alongside Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow. Met Éireann warns that the heaviest rainfall is expected in eastern and southeastern areas.
The warning highlights three main concerns for the weekend period. Localised flooding could occur across affected areas, particularly in low-lying regions and areas with poor drainage. Visibility on roads may be significantly reduced during heavy downpours, making driving conditions challenging.
Motorists planning weekend journeys should expect difficult travelling conditions, especially on major routes like the N25 towards Waterford and the M8 towards Dublin. Cork's notorious traffic pinch points around the Jack Lynch Tunnel and N40 could see additional delays if surface water builds up.
Met Éireann's Yellow warning represents the lowest level of their three-tier system, indicating weather conditions that may cause minor disruption but are generally manageable with appropriate preparation. However, drivers should reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid flooded roads entirely.
Those with concerns about localised flooding should clear drains and gullies near their properties where possible. Those living in traditionally flood-prone areas of the county should take precautionary measures and keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
The warning expires at midnight on Sunday, with conditions expected to improve into Monday morning. However, saturated ground conditions may persist, meaning even lighter rainfall could cause issues in the immediate aftermath.
