Live weather and travel updates as Status Orange storm hits Cork
People across the Rebel County are bracing for thunder and heavy downpours as a Status Orange storm hits Cork today.
Met Éireann has warned of flooding, fallen trees and generally hazardous travelling conditions as downpours of up to 50mm are expected over a 24-hour period.
There is some concern among communities that have been previously impacted by heavy flooding that today's conditions could cause similar trouble to Storm Babet - a Status Orange storm that hit Cork around this time last year.
Today's storm is due to make landfall in Cork soon before moving east across the Rebel County. We'll be bringing you all the latest weather and travel updates as they emerge.
Follow along in our live blog below.
15:30Thomas Lawrance
Wind and rain continues with over 50mm in parts of Cork as worst of the weather hits South and forecast and more to come for South and Southeast yet but further North doing much better as forecast. pic.twitter.com/cbmHm7jPvx
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 202415:20Thomas Lawrance
Wild here in Cobh since early morning and trees down around Great Island pic.twitter.com/MGHbyI3Pc4
— Ruth Ring (@RuthRing) September 29, 202415:09Thomas Lawrance
CorkBeo reader Nathalie has been in touch with a picture of a large branch on Convent Way in Clonakilty.
"Just reporting a big branch down on Convent Way in Clonakilty, just beside the Convent school. Little traffic today but could be a problem from tomorrow."
14:33KEY EVENT
Heavy rain and strong winds are battering Cork with four hours still to go under the Status Orange warning. Gusts of close to 90km/h have been recorded along our coastline and some areas have seen over 40mm of rainfall already today.
There have been no major collisions reported and traffic remains light as drivers are heeding RSA advice to avoid unnecessary journeys. There have been several incidents of fallen trees across Cork with council crews hard at work clearing the roadways.
The council continues to monitor high-priority areas and distribute sandbags where necessary.
There have been some delays recorded at Cork Airport and management has advised passengers to keep in close contact with their respective airlines as the poor weather could lead to changes or cancellations. It should be noted that the majority of flights passing through Cork have remained on schedule.
Along our coastlines, boats have pulled into sheltered coves to see out the worst of the storm. One passenger ship bound for Cobh opted to turn back earlier today to avoid the harsh weather.
There have been reports of power outages and water service disruptions during the storm, particularly in West Cork. Affected customers are asked to use the Irish Water and Powercheck websites to stay up to date on restoration times.
Several attractions such as Blarney Castle and Fota Wildlife Park have chosen to close today due to the extreme weather.
Several roads have partially or fully flooded. You can find a list of roads that are typically worst hit by flooding further down.
If your area is being affected by flooding today we want to hear from you via [email protected] or through our social media.
Stay safe.
14:15Thomas Lawrance
Major rise of water on Sundays Well Road reported to @corkcitycouncil pic.twitter.com/yK0DSqKftN
14:09Thomas Lawrance
At least one Aer Lingus flight has had to perform a go-around landing due to the weather today:
— Shauns_Aviation (@Shauns_Aviation) September 29, 202413:51Thomas Lawrance
More trees reported fallen in Crosshaven, Monkstown and Ballinhassig
13:40Thomas Lawrance
Blackpool Village on the northside of the city is flood-free at the moment
13:36Thomas Lawrance
Alan at Carlow Weather reminds us we're due a nicer week ahead once the Status Orange storm has subsided tonight
The good news is after today’s wind and rain the weather improves for coming week with very little rainfall up to Friday and some sunny spells. Temperatures a little cool but light enough winds. pic.twitter.com/0Fy5kHYiUs
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 202413:32Thomas Lawrance
12:55Thomas Lawrance
12:45Thomas Lawrance
Like Fota Wildlife Park and several other Rebel tourist spots, Blarney Castle has taken the decision to close due to the weather:
CLOSED!!
Unfortunately, due to worsening weather conditions around the estate we will be closing at 1pm for the remainder of the day. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/XozIpIVzZz
12:35Thomas Lawrance
Big tree down in Crosshaven Cork. Thanks to @McWilliamBag for photo. pic.twitter.com/eQyF2lFiOt
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 202412:32Thomas Lawrance
Cllr Maher also reports flooding on the North Ring Road:
12:31Thomas Lawrance
Cllr John Maher says the fall has been reported to Cork City Council:
12:22Thomas Lawrance
The ESB is dealing with power outages and disruptions this afternoon.
282 customers in one area of Skibbereen are currently affected by an outage - while the ESB acted quickly to restore electricity for 466 customers in another part of the town early this morning.
You can check for outages on the ESB site.
12:18Thomas Lawrance
12:15Thomas Lawrance
12:11Thomas Lawrance
Traffic is flowing well in the city - with green roads signifying a good rate of travel. Met Éireann have warned today of dangerous driving conditions, and the RSA has reminded motorists to drive safely and to allow for a greater braking distance in wet conditions.
12:03Daire Fitton
11:51Daire Fitton
Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has released an update on the storm as we approach noon. The beloved social media weather expert highlighted how some areas of Cork have seen as much as 38mm of rainfall already today.
Update after 11am stats on Sunday with up to 38mm of rain recorded already at Dunmanway in Cork but many areas haven’t seen the rain yet. Winds increasing with gusts up to 87kmh near South coast. A lot more rain to come and especially on the Comeragh Mountains. pic.twitter.com/3IdiVPnpY5
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 202411:37Daire Fitton
Irish Water has advised residents in Coppeen and the surrounding areas of potential supply issues following a burst main.
#IWCork: A pump station interruption may affect supply to Coppeen and surrounds until 5pm today. Please see https://t.co/AW4kbimUO3
— Uisce Éireann Care (@IWCare) September 29, 202411:29Daire Fitton
Traffic remains light across Cork city and county with no major collisions to report.
Minor delays on the N27 en route to Cork Airport and along the N25 east of Midleton due to ongoing roadworks.
Road conditions remain hazardous with drivers asked to exercise all due caution. The RSA has released advice for drivers and pedestrians which can be found below.
11:08KEY EVENT
There have been several reports of trees falling across roads in Cork this morning due to the high storm winds. A number of these trees have blocked access to key roadways in areas like Watergrasshill and Crosshaven.
If a fallen tree is blocking access in your area, report it to the council.
Cork County Council Emergency Number: 021-4800048
Cork City Council Emergency Number: 021–4966512
10:52KEY EVENT
Several flights coming through Cork Airport have experienced delays during today's storm.
Flights from London, Venice and Faro are all arriving later than expected, with the flight from Portugal delayed by three hours.
Departures are looking good for the time being but Cork Airport has advised passengers to keep a close eye out for any prospective changes or cancellations as a result of today's weather.
10:38Daire Fitton
10:22Daire Fitton
While those used to driving around Cork during periods of heavy rain or high spring tides will know which roads make up the usual suspects for flooding, here's a handy list for those not in the know:
South LinkOld Station RoadBlarney RoadSunday's WellSouth Douglas RoadDouglas RoadWell RoadLower Glanmire RoadWallingstown RoadNorth RingBanduffColmcille AveParts of: Douglas, Blackpool, Mayfield, Hollyhill, the city centre quays10:07Daire Fitton
Traffic remains light as many of Cork's motorists appear to have heeded warnings from the RSA and the council not to take unnecessary journeys.
Live feeds from the N8 show a significant build-up of water on the road so drivers should be wary of aquaplaning among other hazards.
10:01Daire Fitton
Today's storm has led to rough conditions in the Atlantic forcing all but the hardiest of vessels to seek shelter.
Marine Tracker shows a significant number of ships sheltering in the Port of Cork, Skibbereen and Bantry Bay.
It also appears one passenger ship bound for Cobh has made a U-turn to avoid the storm, according to live traffic data.
"Yay, after a bumpy crossing we're nearly in Cork"."Oh". pic.twitter.com/G1o3eFwblK
— Des (@despod) September 29, 202409:46Daire Fitton
Winds in West Cork are reaching speeds of up to 83 km/h with serious rainfall already recorded in Dunmanway, according to weather expert Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather.
The wind and rain has arrived in the South with Sherkin Island gusting to 83kmh and up to 12mm fallen already at Dunmanway. A lot more rain to come and winds will increase through the day. Enjoy your Sunday and take care. pic.twitter.com/sIs38ZUThm
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 2024
