AS YOU CAN see from Met Éireann rainfall radar at 6.45am today, rain has not abated in most parts of the country and flooding has been reported in many areas.

Blackpool in Cork has been the worst hit and was submerged in four feet of water last night. The flash flood receded within hours and a clean-up operation is now underway. It is the second time in the past nine months that the town has been affected by flooding. Local businesspeople have told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that they received no warning, blaming authorities for inaction on an ineffective culvert (a pipe/drain that allows water to flow under the village).

Gardaí and AA Roadwatch have warned motorists to take care this morning as roads are “extremely wet”. Excess surface water and spot flooding are causing dangerous driving conditions.

• The M11 Dublin to Wexford Road is closed both ways south of junction five Bray North due to flooding. Southbound traffic on the M50 is being diverted at J16 Cherrywood. Southbound traffic from the N11/Bray Rd is being diverted via Shankill and Bray. Northbound traffic on the M11 is being diverted at J6 Bray/Fassaroe and can rejoin the M11 at J5.
• Drivers have also been asked to avoid the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap until conditions improve.
• Particular care is needed on the Gorey to Wexford Road at Wells and Ballyedmond.
• Fallen trees and cables have also been reported in Laois and Kildare.
• Rain continues to fall heavily in Waterford City so spot flooding is likely.
• Gardaí have asked for extra care in Killaloe because of road debris and fallen trees.

Met Éireann’s rain warning remains in place for Munster, Connacht and Leinster as widespread heavy rain continues. The meteorologists have said that eastern coastal areas are most at risk for flooding.

Meanwhile, a snow-ice warning is still in place for Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. Gardaí have asked for extreme care on all routes around Letterkenny, Ballybofey and Glenties.

And in Northern Ireland, the electricity supplier has reported that 18,000 homes are without power due to the adverse weather, including storm force winds and heavy snow.