It’s going to be torrential.

Met Éireann’s Status Yellow Rain Warning kicks in at 9am this morning across Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford, remaining in place until 9am on Saturday.

A Status Orange Rain warning is also in place for Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow with Storm Claudia bringing significant rainfall accumulations expected, especially on high ground and exposed areas.

‘Slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water’

In Cork City, the Lee Road is still closed from grotto to the Lee clinic where crews are onsite.

Cork County Council has warned that further spells of heavy rainfall over the coming days on already saturated ground may lead to excess surface water and further flooding. Motorists and road users should expect poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions during periods of heavy rain.

Meanwhile, a Level 1 flood response plan has been activated in East Cork. Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team is actively monitoring the situation and crews have inspected known risk locations and will continue to monitor and respond as required.

Pumping arrangements are in place at locations prone to flooding.

A Council spokesperson asked that the public note the following:

• Stay away from coastal areas during this period of unsettled weather – “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”. Wave overtopping is possible.
• Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning.
• Avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions – water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
• Slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads

Issues such as flooding or road damage should be reported to the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number: (021) 4800048 or your local Council Office during working hours. For emergencies, call 999 or 112 and request the appropriate service (Fire, Ambulance, Gardaí, or Irish Coast Guard).

In the event of water supply disruptions, contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.