**UPDATE
Cork City Council is advising the public that the current severe weather event is not over.
Cork City will continue to experience heavy rain and gale force winds for the rest of the day and into the evening. Due to the waterlogged land, tree roots foundations are weakened and run-off of rainwater into rivers and on to roads is increased.
The continuing adverse weather conditions will lead to further river flooding this evening. We are therefore asking motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for fallen trees, debris on the roads and footpaths as well as significant surface water on roads across the city.
Cork City Council had crews out throughout the night and these were replaced with fresh teams today. Our crews continue to monitor the situation and take action where necessary.
We continue to liaise with the other Principal Response Agencies and are ready to react to any situation which might develop.
A Status Orange Met Eireann Rainfall Warning and Status Yellow Wind Warning is currently in effect with very heavy rain forecast throughout the day and south to southwest winds expected to reach mean wind speeds of 50 to 65km/h, with gusts of 90 to 110km/h. Where winds are onshore there is a risk of coastal flooding.
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened early this morning in relation to the impact of the weather overnight and to monitor locations throughout the day.
Pumping arrangements were in operation throughout the night at known risk locations with no major flooding of properties having been reported.
The Council is aware of several roads having been impacted as a result of fallen trees and localised flooding.
The River Blackwater is rising slowly but is nearing road level on the N72 at Mallow Racecourse and this may result in the road having to close later today. Local diversions will be signposted.
Flood barriers have been erected in Fermoy and Mallow with the early warning systems in place. The flood barriers in Mallow and Fermoy are erected to their highest levels, except for the roadways and these may need to be closed later today when the Blackwater river flood level increases.
Bridge Street in Mallow is expected to close later this afternoon, and at this stage it is not known if the Bridge in Fermoy will close, but this will be reviewed during the day.
Roads affected at this time include:
- R587 closed at Ardcahan Bridge
- L4625 closed at the Idle Bridge, Manch (road from R586 to wards Coppeen)
- Flooding on the R586 between junction with R637 at Ballincarriga and Manch (by Carbery Group’s factory).
- Flooding on R-584 Hartnett’s Cross to Toons Bridge but passible.
- L-3418 Ballyverane – northern outskirts of Macroom Town flooded and closed.
- Tree down blocking the R600 at Fivemilebridge
- The R621 at Longfields Bridge near Mallow Sugar Factory
- The L-1226 at Killavullen
- The N72 at Park Road, Mallow is closed
Given the current driving conditions and with Council Crews operating in difficult conditions, Cork County Council is asking motorists to exercise extreme caution as driving conditions may be hazardous with surface flooding possible or fallen trees and branches.
Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain. Please be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.
Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to your local Council Office during working hours. Details can be found at https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/contact-us-1. The Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number is available outside these times on (021) 4800048.
In the event of disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1850 372 999. Fallen or grounded wires should be avoided, and the public are advised call ESB in assisting with the identification of location of fallen wires.
In the event of disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1850 278 278.
Cork County Council will continue to monitor this situation and convene as required over the next 24 hours. Updates are available on www.corkcoco.ie and on the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.
