As if Mother Nature hasn’t unleashed enough on us this week, she still has a few surprises in store.

Cork City Council have issued a flood warning this evening, warning city businesses that a period of very high astronomical spring tides could potentially do some damage to property between Thursday, March 1st until Monday, March 5th.

A tidal surge and strong winds are also predicted over the next few days, resulting in tide levels higher than normal.

A number of road closures and traffic restrictions will be put in place, introduced prior to flood events in order to reduce any negative impact of traffic movements through standing water.

The natural cycle of High Tides for the following days is predicted for the below times:

Day/Date/Morning/Evening
Thursday 01/03/2018 – 17:17
Friday 02/03/2018 05:41 18:02
Saturday 03/03/2018 06.26 18:44
Sunday 04/03/2018 07.06 19.23
Monday 05/03/2018 07.45 

From Thursday afternoon until Monday morning, prior to and after these tides, there is a significant risk of tidal flooding in the Cork City.

The Council said:

‘It is likely that flooding will occur in the low lying areas of the City Centre in particular on Morrison’s Quay, Fr. Mathew Quay, Fr. Mathew Street, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Lavitts Quay, Kyrls Street, Kyrls Quay, Crosses Green, Sharman Crawford St and Wandesford Quay.

There is a lower level of risk for flooding along the South Mall, Lapps Quay, McSwiney Quay, Albert Quay, Kennedy Quay, Proby’s Quay, French’s Quay, Lancaster Quay, Sullivan’s Quay and Lower Glanmire Road.

Property owners in the affected areas may be liable to flooding and are advised to take all necessary precautions to protect their properties.’

Cork City Council will no be issuing sandbags, but a limited stock of gel-bags is available for collection at the Council Depot at Anglesea Terrace on Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm.