As winter increased its grip on the region this week, heavy rain, which caused flooding in many areas, was replaced by snow showers and plummeting temperatures.

Torrential rain and high winds lashed the area overnight on Thursday last, leading to flooded roads for a time on Friday morning. Already sodden fields around Ballyduff and Tallow turned into lakes after the deluge. A number of horses were stranded on a patch of ground at Tallow bridge on Friday morning, cut off from their field by the floodwaters, before being rescued.

The rain had no sooner stopped than temperatures dropped, giving way to icy roads. While snow was confined to mainly higher ground in north Cork where more than 10cm fell in some places creating treacherous road conditions, the Fermoy area did get a dusting of snow on Monday morning. Half a dozen minor crashes were reported in half an hour on the Macroom to Ballyvourney road.

The cold spell is expected to last into the weekend. It’s led to a call by Avondhu Blackwater’s ‘Community Connect’ for people to check on elderly people in their area.

“Older people with limited mobility, health issues and those who live alone can be more affected by the extreme cold weather we are currently experiencing,” Alan Buckley of ABP said this week. “Older people who may themselves be concerned about their health or wellbeing are also urged to look for assistance if they feel they need it. There is a greater need for older people to stay warm and ensure they have sufficient heat. They are encouraged to wear layers of warm clothing. They can also feel the effects of colder weather for longer as their health may be compromised by the cold. Having a friendly visit from a neighbour or friend can brighten up someone’s day while at the same time ensuring they are safe and well,” he said.

If you are concerned about an older neighbour or indeed if you feel an elderly person requires some help you can contact ABP’s befriending service at 025-33411 or e-mail mary@avondhublackwater.com. Anyone who’d like to have a regular chat, increase their circle of friends or find out what’s going on in senior circles can give them a call and get connected.