18 Oct 2022 | 01:01 PM UTC
Ireland: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions through at least Oct. 20
Heavy rainfall forecast across parts of southern Ireland through at least Oct. 20. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of southern Ireland through at least Oct. 20. The first band of thundery downpours is expected to arrive late Oct. 18. There is expected to be a brief respite in the showers early Oct. 19, before the downpours pick up again throughout the day and overnight into Oct. 20. Met Eireann has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding and disruptions in affected areas.
As of Oct. 18, Met Eireann has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow counties.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tipperary counties.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks
Transport
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 affected 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, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
