It’s Status Orange warnings all ’round.

Met Éireann has upgraded the Status Yellow Wind and Rain warnings to Status Orange alerts for Cork, as the entire country braces for Storm Agnes, which is currently swirling off the southwest of Ireland.

With the alerts due to kick in at 9am and remain in pace all day, the national forecaster has warned that Cork will likely be hit with “very strong and gusty southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts.”

Potential impacts include coastal flooding, difficult travel conditions, power outages, and fallen trees.

⚠️ Weather Update ⚠️

🟠 A Status Orange rainfall warning is in effect from 09:00 Wednesday 27/09/2023 to 15:00 Wednesday 27/09/2023.

🟠 A Status Orange wind warning is in effect from 09:00 Wednesday 27/09/2023 to 15:00 Wednesday 27/09/2023. pic.twitter.com/PfjFuvfNI6

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) September 26, 2023

Met Éireann has also advised that rainfall will continue in Cork after the Status Orange warning period has expired, with up to 35 millimetres of rain expected in a 24-hour period.

Road closures

Here in the city, a tidal surge is expected, which may cause localised road flooding in some low-lying quay areas of the city, including Morrison’s Island, South Terrace, Union Quay, Lavitt’s Quay and Wandesford Quay at high tide (4.55pm).

Commuters are advised that Wandesford Quay will most likely be closed to traffic from 4.30 pm until 5.30pm on Wednesday and lane restrictions will be in place on South Terrace and Lavitt’s Quay at this time also.

The parking areas on Father Mathew, Morrison’s and Union Quays will also be affected and local traffic movements may be affected.

#StormAgnes will track north-eastwards over Ireland today with disruption likely in places⚠️

It will be wet & very windy with strong to gale force southeast winds 🍃🌧️

Latest warnings 👇https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS

Latest weather forecast 👇https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/ZvcMoChEF1

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 27, 2023

Driving conditions will be poor throughout the day with strong winds blowing debris around, heavy rain affecting visibility and there being a risk of flooding and debris on roads. Please slow down and drive with extra care and attention.

Advice from Cork City Council

Winds are expected to be severe on Wednesday and Cork City Council has asked the public to secure loose items such as wheelie bins, garden furniture, and trampolines and avoid making any unnecessary journeys.

“We are preparing to address any damage that might result from the severe winds. Our emergency crews are on standby.” said a Council spokesperson.

“We are also asking that all construction sites are made secure in advance of high winds, including plant, materials, and fencing.

“If you must travel during this period, road users are asked to proceed with caution, as there may be fallen debris on roads and spot flooding.”

The rain is expected to clear northeastwards in the afternoon followed by showers through the evening. Highest temperatures will remain between 14 to 16 degrees.