Yellow Rain Warning for Cork as National Flooding Preparedness Continues

Cork is under a yellow rain warning tonight into tomorrow as the National Emergency Co-ordination Group prepares for further flooding risk across Ireland.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met today (Monday, 2 February) to continue preparations for flooding risk as heavy rain is forecast for tonight, into tomorrow, and over the next few days.

A yellow rain warning is in place tonight into tomorrow for Cork, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. A further warning is in place for Dublin, Louth and Wicklow from tomorrow morning.

A weather advisory remains in effect. Spells of heavy and persistent rainfall will continue through the week of 2 February, particularly in southern and eastern coastal counties.

Rain will fall on saturated ground where river levels are high with high tides expected this week. This may lead to further flooding along rivers and in coastal areas. High spring tides over the coming days, combined with strong winds and surge, may cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding.

Close monitoring of local weather conditions via www.met.ie and river and coastal level data www.waterlevel.ie is strongly advised.

Advice to the Public

The public are urged to be alert for flooding as the situation can change very quickly. Even small amounts of rain could result in significant impacts in areas where river levels are high or where the ground is already saturated.

People are urged to check Cork City Council and Cork County Council websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates and community alerts. Local authorities are carrying out assessments on roads that were affected by flooding and, in some instances, roads may need to be kept closed due to damage.

Allow for disruption when travelling and plan extra travel time. When driving, reduce speed, expect surface water, debris and poor visibility. Do not bypass 'Road Closed' signs or drive through floodwater. Turn back and use another route.

Support Available

An Emergency Response Payment is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding. The scheme is currently open in Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Monaghan, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.

Any household affected by severe weather can access this support by contacting the Community Welfare Service on 0818 60 70 80. Full details are available at gov.ie/StormResponse.

An Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme is open for small businesses and community, voluntary and sports organisations affected by flooding. The scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross, with full details available at redcross.ie/stormchandra.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, will seek Government approval to expand eligibility for the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme to organisations of up to 50 employees. The Minister is also seeking to increase the upper limit for payments under the scheme from €20,000 to €100,000 for the most impacted premises.

Helpline Available

The Irish Red Cross has set up a helpline to provide support to distressed people affected by flooding. The helpline at 01 642 4648 will be open 9am to 6pm across the bank holiday weekend and until required.

Safety Advice

Monitor Met Éireann forecasts as conditions may change quickly. Visit met.ie for the most up to date information.

Check Cork City Council and Cork County Council websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates and community alerts.

Allow for disruption when travelling. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed. Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.

Do not bypass Road Closed signs. The road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.

Do not drive through floodwater. Turn back and use another route.

Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals. Water levels may rise quickly.

Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.

Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.