23 Oct 2023 | 05:37 AM UTC
Ireland: Adverse weather forecast across southern and central regions through at least Oct. 24
Severe weather forecast across southern and central Ireland through Oct. 24. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy rainfall is forecast across southern and central Ireland through at least Oct. 24. As of early Oct. 23, Met Eireann has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings for Kilkenny, Wexford, and Waterford counties and yellow heavy rainfall warnings for the rest of the affected area through Oct. 24. Localized flooding, poor visibility, and difficult travel conditions are expected during the warning period. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.
Parts of southern Ireland is still recovering from the passage of Storm Babet Oct. 18-20. Flooding in County Cork damaged hundreds of homes and businesses. Emergency services had to rescue several people trapped by the flooding. Further rainfall could lead to additional flooding and is likely to hamper recovery efforts and exacerbate the situation.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations before travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
