After an exceptionally wet fortnight and in the aftermath of Storm Chandra, weather conditions across Ireland are beginning to ease, though authorities say flooding risks remain in several areas as water continues to move through river systems.
Met Éireann said rain started to ease overnight after another very wet spell, with conditions expected to gradually improve through the day. However, a number of weather warnings remain in place. A Status Orange rain warning has been lifted for Dublin and Wicklow as of 9am today, while Status Yellow warnings cover large parts of the country including Meath, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Tipperary, with some warnings running until midday. The forecaster has warned that saturated ground, high river levels and surface flooding continue to pose a risk, even as rainfall weakens.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, urged people to remain cautious as they travel. “The advice is to slow down, be very cognisant of road conditions and be particularly careful of cyclists and pedestrians,” he said. He again warned motorists not to drive through flooded roads, noting that emergency services have been rescuing people from trapped vehicles on a daily basis during the recent spell of heavy rain.
Local authorities across the country have been responding since early morning. Council crews in several counties have been clearing surface water and monitoring known flood-prone areas, with reports of localised flooding on minor roads and in low-lying areas. While no widespread road closures have been reported, drivers are being advised to allow extra time for journeys and to expect hazardous conditions in places.
Mr Leonard also warned that rainfall which fell over upland areas, particularly in Wicklow, will continue to feed into rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially impacting parts of the east and south-east later today and into tomorrow. Coastal flooding remains a concern due to high tides coinciding with elevated water levels.
The National Emergency Coordination Group is due to meet again today to assess impacts, restore transport services where disrupted and identify any damage to homes or businesses. While conditions are improving, authorities say vigilance remains essential as Ireland begins to dry out after one of the wettest periods of the winter so far.
