A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for Cork and three other western counties: Clare, Kerry and Galway, and is set to come into effect at 3.00pm today, with strong to gale force westerly winds forecasted, coupled with spring tides, may result in coastal flooding. These warnings remain in effect until midnight tonight.
There is also a chance of coastal flooding due to spring tides and westerly winds.
Cork County Council has warned the public about difficult travelling conditions, and to be aware of the dangers posed by surface flooding, and high winds and falling trees.
Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this morning in response to these weather warnings and to review ongoing preparations. Council response crews and contractors have been put on notice and are on standby. Sandbags and pumps have been deployed while crews also remain on standby in areas known to be affected by coastal flood events.
Cork County Council advises road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. Driving conditions will be hazardous with falling trees and surface flooding possible. Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through flood waters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians. Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal areas. Property owners, residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, to protect property and to avoid unnecessary journeys. Cork County Council can be contacted via its Emergency Out of Hours number 0214800048. Cork County Council will continue to monitor the situation.
While Council’s Civic Amenity sites are scheduled to open tomorrow, this will be subject to an inspection early in the morning.
The City Council is advising motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to travel carefully due to a status orange wind warning in Cork. It is advising householders to ensure garden furniture and outside equipment are well secured. Householders are also reminded of a risk of flying debris and to ensure garden furniture and outside equipment are well secured.
Mark Bowe from Met Eireann says that strong wind and heavy rain is expected until midnight: "We are going to see some very strong winds move into western counties this afternoon. That's going to spread throughout the country through the later part of the afternoon and into the evening. Now it is going to bring some very heavy and potentially some thundery showers with it. So at the moment, we do have an orange warning out across Clare, Cork, Kerry and Galway. That's starting from 3pm going all the way through until midnight".
