Storm Francis floods have damaged almost 50 businesses in Bantry
Storm Francis wreaked havoc across Cork last night.
And businesses in Bantry are counting the cost of repairs this morning, after extensive flooding in The Square, New Street, Bridge Street and Main Street, resulting in damage to almost 50 properties.
While floodwaters have now been cleared, a number of roads have been damaged and are currently closed pending assessment.
New Street, Main Street, Barrack Street and The Square in Bantry Flooded. Video: @BantryFire #StormFrancis pic.twitter.com/de0Dwfgm9n
— Cork Safety Alerts (@CorkSafetyAlert) August 24, 2020
“Intense localised downpours in Bandon between 23:00 and 03:00 resulted in flooding at Brady’s Lane and Bridge Street, which has since been cleared.” said a spokesperson for Cork County Council.
“Initial investigations suggest that this was due to the significant amount of rainfall that occurred over a short period of time which overwhelmed the collection network. Flooding also took place at Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Connonagh, Clonakilty, Drimoleague, Leap, Ballydehob, Passage West and Youghal.
“There was no further flooding overnight at “The Cutting” in Skibbereen.”
This is what we had in Bantry in the early hours of this morning. @Corkcoco the businesses of bantry are devastated yet more cost landed on them. Its time @Corkcoco sorted out the culvert issue but whatever ye did in Bandon make sure the pumps will work in Bantry…. pic.twitter.com/jsdAJpwkLM
— BantryBusiness (@BantryBusiness) August 25, 2020
Bantry is sinking pic.twitter.com/j9K9AGBKIu
— Colin Clancy (@ClancyColin) August 24, 2020
Cork County Council’s Crisis Management Team convened this morning and will continue to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, Council crews are currently being redeployed from other areas of the county to assist with the clean-up operations in those areas most severely impacted.
Wind warning in place until 7pm
Council response crews and contractors remain on standby today, with a Yellow Wind Warning in place for Cork until 7pm and very windy or stormy conditions expected as Storm Francis crosses Ireland.
A Status Yellow Gale Warning is also in place, with “cyclonic variable gale or strong gale force winds today on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea”.
Cork County Council has asked all road users to exercise extreme caution while crews continue to clear the routes affected.
Motorists are advised to be aware of spot flooding, debris and fallen trees on many roads and urged not to drive through floodwaters.
