Severe flooding in Waterford as fresh orange weather warning issued

So far on Sunday there have been several reports of fallen trees on roads across the county, with some routes blocked as a result
Severe flooding in Waterford as fresh orange weather warning issued

There Routes Gibson Far Andy County, With Some Roads Reports Have On Picture: Result On Blocked A Fallen Been So Several As Sunday Trees Of The Across

Fallen trees, power outages and gale force gusts have hit the southern half of the country - with Cork and Waterford both seeing issues.

A new status orange weather warning has now been issued by Met Éireann for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford.

It expires at midnight.

Sandbags were deployed to high-risk areas of Cork ahead of the rain, wind, and expected flooding, dangerous driving conditions and travel disruption. 

A status orange rainfall warning was in place since 8am on Sunday but has since expired for Cork.

Indeed, nearly 38mm of rain had fallen on Dunmanway as of 11am, while a gust of 87km/h was recorded at Sherkin Island.

So far on Sunday there have been several reports of fallen trees on roads across the county, with some routes blocked as a result.

 Surface flooding on Lough Road, Cork during the heavy rain and high winds on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins
Surface flooding on Lough Road, Cork during the heavy rain and high winds on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins

Trees have reportedly fallen on:

  • The R604 between Garretstown and Billinspittle;
  • the R585 between Cappeen and Béal na Bláth;
  • the R612 near Holy Trinity in Crosshaven; 
  • the Bog Road in Youghal near Redbarn Cross; 
  • the Old Youghal Road near Bells Field;
  • the bridge near Kilcully Road close to the Glenville Road junction; 
  • and the R600 between Belgooly and Riverstick.

In Skibbereen, some 282 homes and businesses have been without power since shortly before 7am. ESB crews are currently working on the fault, but power is not expected to be restored until 9pm.

43 outages were also reported in Carrigaline at around 11am. The ESB said it hopes to have power restored by 7pm on Sunday evening. 

Earlier, some 1,172 homes and businesses in the Macroom area lost power. However, according to the ESB Networks Power Checker, supply was restored at around 2.30pm this afternoon.

Issues in Waterford

A number of rivers have burst their banks in Waterford, which was under the same warnings as Cork.

Videos published on social media show the Rivers Colligan and River Nire both at very-high levels, with the former bursting its banks just before 7pm on Sunday evening. 

'High-risk' areas being monitored

Cork County Council said that crews have "inspected key high-risk areas" and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period 

Pumping arrangements have been put in place where required. 

As a precautionary measure, sandbags were earlier deployed to key risk areas on a prioritised basis, a spokesperson for the council said.

In a statement, they advised members of the public to exercise caution.

"Driving conditions may be dangerous, with spot flooding and surface debris possible," the statement said.

"Trees are currently in full leaf which increases the risk of fallen branches etc. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain. 

"Motorists are also asked to be conscious of cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users."

A number of attractions closed on Sunday due to result of the weather.

Dursey Cable Car will not be operational on Sunday. It will resume operations when weather conditions permit and following inspection if necessary.

Fota Wildlife Park is also not opening, with an apology issued to customers on their social media pages on Saturday afternoon.

Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.

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