More flooding expected as storm brews off south-west coast
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Further river flooding is expected in parts of the country as an Atlantic storm depression is expected to reach Ireland later today.
Weather warnings are in effect today, with orange wind warnings in effect for Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. It will remain in effect until 9am Wednesday.
Gusts of wind up to 90 – 115km/h are expected, with Met Éireann noting that heavy rainfall is likely to cause flooding due to a high water table.
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Met Éireann also added a yellow-level rainfall warning today for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford, with rainfall in 36 hours expected to total 25-45 mm.
In Cork, the Jack Lynch tunnel – a main thoroughfare – was due to close from 10pm this evening for scheduled maintenance, but the decision was taken to keep the tunnel open and ease traffic through the city centre.
The Cork College of Commerce has cancelled night classes due to the adverse weather conditions, and people are being asked to stay away from affected areas unless absolutely necessary.
Delighted that Gardai have confirmed that Jack Lynch Tunnell will stay open until after high tide tonight #Cork #corkfloods
— Senator Jerry Buttimer (@jerrybuttimer) February 4, 2014
"We'll certainly be expecting something of a similar nature to that which we experienced yesterday morning, and indeed it might well be slightly worse than that," said Cork City Manager Tim Lucey.
"The tide, in conjunction with the surge of water, might be a couple of centimetres higher."
High tide is expected in Cork city at 8.53pm this evening.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet have today been discussing relief measures for those affected, with an estimated package of €10m.
Local authorities in areas affected by Storm Christine are expected to give their assessment reports on flood damage to the Government today.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, said existing road and harbour funds may be used, but assistance is also being sought from Europe.
Howlin said he fears these storms could become a regular occurrence, and therefore better flood defences need to be erected.
