It’s going to be a soggy few days.

A Status Orange rain warning is in place for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from now until 6am on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023.

Persistent rain will fall all day today, Tuesday, with up to 30mm expected before 6pm as Storm Babet – the second named storm of the season – hits Ireland.

A further 20mm is predicted up to midday on Wednesday and strong easterly and southeasterly winds are also forecast all day tomorrow which increases tidal flooding risk.

Meteorologist with Met Éireann Siobhán Ryan said storm Babet will be a “rain event”.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, Met Éireann meteorologist Siobhán Ryan said we’re in for a very wet week:

“What is unusual about this storm is that it is taking residence over much of Europe as well, over the coming days lots of rain, lots of high winds too, but really, for ourselves, it is a rain event.” she said.

River flooding likely 

According to Cork City Council, there is also a risk of fluvial (river) flooding west of the city centre and in the city centre due to the combined heavy rainfall and the quantum of rain that is expected over the 24 hours.

Rain will spread across Munster in the morning before extending elsewhere during the afternoon🌧️

The rain will be heavy & thundery at times, so localised flooding is possible, particularly in the southwest⛈️🌊⚠️

Highs of 10 to 14 C in a fresh to strong & gusty E to SE wind🌡️🌬️ pic.twitter.com/tnmemFyzuY

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 17, 2023

“Flooding of the River Lee from Inniscarra to the Lee Fields is likely and the Rivers Curraheen, Shournagh and Bride are also at risk of localised flooding.” a spokesperson warned.

“Localised flooding is expected at high tide tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning on low-lying city centre quays such as Morrisons Island, Wandesford Quay, Union Quay and Lavitts Quay.

“Property damage is not expected but because of the heavy wind and rain, commuter visibility may be impaired so motorists and cyclists are urged to travel extra carefully tomorrow evening and Wednesday morning.”

High tide on Tuesday evening is at 7.50pm and it’s 8.10am on Wednesday morning.

Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment team are due to meet again this morning and City Council crews are on standby across the city.