Ireland: Heavy rainfall forecast across southern and western regions through at least Oct. 5

Heavy rainfall is forecast across southern and western Ireland through at least Oct. 5. Met Eireann has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings for Cork and Kerry counties and yellow heavy rainfall warnings for Clare, Galway, Limerick, Mayo, and Waterford counties Oct. 5. Small craft warnings are in place across the entire coast of Ireland Oct. 4-5. Localized flooding, poor visibility, and difficult travel conditions are likely during the warning period. Authorities may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

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 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.