A Status Orange weather alert is in place until 9pm.

With rainfall of up to 80 millimetres expected in parts of the city and county, Cork City Council closed the Lee Road, the Cloghroe Road and Inniscarra Road last night, with many other roads experiencing high surface water and ponding, including the Carrigrohane Road, Inchigaggin Lane and roads between Inniscarra and the city.

The Cross River Ferry has also been suspended until further notice and there are reports of a tree down on the R600 at Fivemilebridge, where the road is blocked as a result. Motorists are advised to take care on the approach.

There are also reports of heavy surface water on the N72 from Dromagh to Mallow and emergency services are on the scene of an accident on the N22 between Macroom and Lissarda.

A 48-hour weather event

The Council’s Flood Response Group met yesterday afternoon, with Met Eireann, the ESB, An Garda Siochana, HSE, Defence Forces, Port of Cork and Bus Eireann in attendance. The city’s flood plan has been activated and the Defence Forces are on standby.

According to forecasters, this is a 48-hour event and Cork City Council is asking property owners to be on alert until Wednesday afternoon.

⚠️Update ⚠️⠀⠀

🚧Cork City Council closed the Lee Road, the Cloghroe Road and Inniscarra Road last night

➡️Many other roads across the city have surface water & ponding including the Carrigrohane Road & Inchigaggin Lane

ℹ https://t.co/Fzjvmp3ICn#CorkFloods #TakeCare pic.twitter.com/oACRzZtDpX

— Cork City Council #StayHome #StaySafe (@corkcitycouncil) February 23, 2021

Cork City Council crews cleaned gullies yesterday and cleared trash screens and are on standby across the city. River levels are being monitored constantly by the Flood Response Team.

The River Lee and its many tributaries ( including the Shournagh in Cloghroe, the Bride in Blackpool, the Curraheen) and the Glashaboy River through Glanmire and the Tramore River through Togher may burst their banks due to rain levels and the current waterlogged nature of the ground. This may lead to localised flooding.

“We are advising people who live and work in areas prone to river flooding to take active measures to protect their property,” said Director of Operations, David Joyce.

“People are advised that sandbags and gels bags are available at our Anglesea Terrace depot and Tramore Valley Park civic amenity site from 8am today, Tuesday”.

Driving conditions expected to worsen 

Across the city, the heavy rainfall will likely lead to surface water and hazardous driving conditions.

“We expect weather and travelling conditions to get worse as the day progresses and into tonight and tomorrow, Wednesday. Please avoid unnecessary journeys. Please don’t drive into flooded areas and please respect road closures,” Mr Joyce said.

Cork City Council’s Customer Service Unit is available at 021 492 4000 from 9am-5pm. For emergencies requiring emergency services, call 112 or 999.

If you require Cork City Council outside of normal office hours, call 021 4966512.