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Waves top over sea walls at high tide on Dun Laoghaire seafront Alamy Stock Photo
LIVE BLOG

As It Happened: Dangerous driving conditions likely as Status Orange warning in place for Dublin and Wicklow

Met Éireann is warning that spells of heavy rain may bring flooding, dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility.
3.38pm, 20 Oct 2023
38.9k
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LAST UPDATE | 20 Oct 2023

A STATUS ORANGE rain warning is in place for Dublin and Wicklow until 8am tomorrow. 

Met Éireann is warning that spells of heavy rain may bring flooding, dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility.

A Status Yellow warning is in place in Louth and Meath until midnightr, with a similar warning from the UK Met Office in effect for all of Northern Ireland until 9am tomorrow. 

In Cork, the county council asked the public earlier today to avoid the centre of Midleton due to a “significant” risk of further flooding after the town was ravaged by floods earlier this week.

However, the council says that risk has now subsided as the peak tide time has passed.

20 Oct 2023 7:16PM

That’s all from us on the liveblog for tonight. 

Here’s a quick recap on the weather warnings currently in place:

  • A Status Orange rain warning is in place for Dublin and Wicklow until 8am tomorrow.
  • A Status Yellow warning is in place in Louth and Meath until midnight.
  • Another Yellow warning from the UK Met Office is in effect for all of Northern Ireland until 9am tomorrow. 

Stay safe, folks. 

20 Oct 2023 6:55PM

South Dublin County Council is reporting heavy flooding in Brittas. 

It said its crews are working to reduce water level. 

People are being asked not to make any unnecessary journeys. 

20 Oct 2023 6:52PM

South Dublin County Council is reporting heavy flooding in Brittas. 

It said its crews are working to reduce water level. 

People are being asked not to make any unnecessary journeys. 

20 Oct 2023 6:47PM

CORK UPDATE

Cork County County said in a statement this evening that it is continuing to monitor the levels of Owenacurra River in Midleton, which have abated but remain high. 

Council staff will be on site at the Midleton Coordination Centre throughout the weekend, in advance of forecasted weather conditions.

Cork County Council is offering free disposal of flood damaged goods at all its Civic Amenity Sites until Thursday 26 October.

A number of rolling road closures will remain in operation throughout the weekend.

The N72 Park Road in Mallow town is now closed due to flooding.

Additional updates on effected roads can be found by visiting Cork County Alerts.

Cork County Council is again asking motorists to exercise caution and pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclists.

The Council said it will continue to inspect and undertake emergency repair works on the roads and bridges most severely impacted across the region, while also commencing the considerable clean-up programme that lies ahead.

With high river levels, members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and away from the coast, rivers and lakes.

Over the weekend Cork County Council can be contacted via its emergency out-of-hours number on 021 480 0048.

20 Oct 2023 6:28PM

Brook Lane in Rush, Co Dublin has become impassable and is being closed. 

Blakestown Road, across from St Peregrine’s GAA Club is also flooded. 

20 Oct 2023 6:18PM

TRANSPORT UPDATE

Much longer delays are now expected for train users in Dublin this evening than reported earlier.

Irish Rail is now saying north and southbound DART services can expect delays of around 85 minutes currently due to weather-related signalling issues at Booterstown, Salthill and Blackrock. 

20 Oct 2023 6:16PM

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has said that “due to wind, wave and tide combination”, there has been overtopping issues along the coast. 

People are being asked to stay away from the coast and harbours. 

dun-laoghaire-dublin-ireland-20th-october-2023-waves-top-over-sea-walls-at-high-tide-on-dun-laoghaire-seafront-during-a-met-eireann-status-orange-rain-warning-for-storm-babet-in-dublin-credit-d Waves top over sea walls at high tide on Dun Laoghaire seafront Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

dalkey-dublin-ireland-20th-october-2023-waves-top-over-harbour-walls-at-high-tide-at-bullock-harbour-during-a-met-eireann-status-orange-rain-warning-for-storm-babet-in-dublin-credit-doreen-kenn Waves top over harbour walls at high tide at Bullock Harbour Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

20 Oct 2023 6:13PM

Powercourt Waterfall was looking quite dramatic today during Storm Babet. 

20 Oct 2023 6:10PM

An update here from Met Éireann: 

20 Oct 2023 5:47PM

Louth County Council has said heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a large section of road verge outside Dunleer earlier today. 

See here: 

20 Oct 2023 5:45PM

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has reported flooding on the M7′s sliproad at Junction 3.

20 Oct 2023 5:42PM

The latest from the UK…

West Midlands Fire Service have rescued eight people and a dog after vehicles became stranded in floodwater in the village of Balsall Common, near Solihull.

The brigade said in a statement: “Please avoid the area around Balsall Street, Balsall Common.

“Several people whose vehicles got stuck in the water there have been brought to safety on rafts by our firefighters

“We were called at around 2.40pm. Crews responded from Canley and Sheldon fire stations, and our Technical Rescue Unit. Five men, two women, a child and a dog were ferried from five cars and a van. No-one was hurt.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said a major incident had been declared in the county due to the impact of Storm Babet.

In a post on social media site X, formerly Twitter, the service also advised people not travel unless essential until further notice this weekend.

The post added: “Do not ignore road closed signs.”

A statement posted on the service’s website added: “Most roads in Derbyshire are affected by flooding and many are closed.

“We are calling on our communities to follow the advice below to keep safe: Do not travel unless essential from now until further information is available later in the weekend. Continue to watch for weather and flooding updates. Look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them.

“Never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow – it could endanger your life.”

Flooding has caused 70 minute delays on the A1 near Grantham, the UK National Highways has said.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the agency said: “Due to extensive flooding in the area, the A1 has reduced capacity both ways between the A46 and B6326 near Grantham. Traffic Officers, Nottinghamshire Police and contractors are working to clear the water and get the lanes moving; there are delays of 70 minutes on the approach.”

20 Oct 2023 5:29PM

boi 9 Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Bank of Ireland has announced a range of supports for those affected by flooding this week.

The Bank said it can support businesses and homeowners impacted by the floods including providing payment flexibility on existing products as well as discounted loans or overdrafts.

The Bank is opening its contact centre over the weekend (10am – 2pm Saturday and Sunday) for customers.

Mortgage breaks can be provided for those affected by the weather and a dedicated support helpline – 0818 210325 / 01 6113339 – has been set up for customers to contact the bank.

Mobile financial advisers and insurance assessors are available to visit customers at their homes or business to discuss options available to them.

Bank of Ireland is also working with general insurance customers to deploy emergency repairs where required and to assess losses and assist with claims submission. The Bank’s insurance partners (RSA and FBD) are working over the weekend to maintain this support.

20 Oct 2023 5:27PM

TRANSPORT UPDATE

There are also a number of cancellations to Bus Éireann services this evening. 

These include: 

Route 109

  • 6.25pm – Dunshaughlin to Dublin

Route 109X

  • 8.15pm – Dublin to Cavan 

Route 115/115C

  • 7pm – Enfield to Longwood

Route NX

  • 5pm – Navan to Dublin

Route D1/D2

  • These services will be operating a reduced frequency until further notice
20 Oct 2023 5:21PM

TRANSPORT UPDATE

Further delays to train users in Dublin this evening. 

Irish Rail is now saying north and southbound DART services can expect delays of around 60 minutes currently due to weather-related signalling issues at Booterstown, Salthill and Blackrock. 

20 Oct 2023 5:20PM

Another update here from Fingal County Council. 

It says Balcultry Lane and Rolestown are flooded, with two cars stuck. 

20 Oct 2023 5:19PM

Louth County Council has said a manhole cover has blown off its frame at Ushers Corner in Drogheda following heavy rain today. 

20 Oct 2023 5:18PM

president-michael-d-higgins-opens-the-national-ploughing-championships-at-ratheniska-co-laois-picture-date-tuesday-september-19-2023 File photo - President Michael D Higgins Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking to reporters in Rome, including The Journal’s Diarmuid Pepper, President Michael D Higgins said his “heart goes out” to people affected by the floods in Cork. 

“I think it’s very important to realise, as well, from a government policy point of view, and no doubt government is considering this, is that whatever protections they had were insufficient,” the President said. 

“We’re now in circumstances where the consequences of climate change as I’ve been speaking about earlier, are ones that are going to be visited on us again and again,” he said. 

He added that his “wish as President” is that the people affected by the floods “will get every assistance that is needed and beyond it to enable them to restore their community”. 

20 Oct 2023 5:07PM

TRANSPORT UPDATE

Irish Rail has said north and southbound DART services can expect delays of around 40 minutes currently due to weather-related signalling issues at Booterstown, Salthill and Blackrock. 

20 Oct 2023 5:04PM

featureimage Emergency services attended the scene after a passenger plane came off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport Danny Lawson / PA Images Danny Lawson / PA Images / PA Images

As we reported earlier, a passenger plane skidded off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport while landing in windy conditions this afternoon. 

A spokesperson for the airport has now confirmed that there have been no reported injuries from the incident and “all passengers have now safely disembarked the aircraft”. 

The airport has now been closed. 

“We are working with the airline, relevant operations teams and emergency authorities to resolve this situation and return services safely as quickly as possible. We ask passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.”

20 Oct 2023 4:49PM

A man in his 60s has died after getting caught in fast-flowing flood water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire this morning, West Mercia Police have said.

The force said members of the public reported a man went under the water shortly before 10.40am.

Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue quickly attended but he was found dead at 12.35pm.

Formal identification has yet to take place but the family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

20 Oct 2023 4:40PM

Scotland

More than 75 people are in rescue centres in Angus, east Scotland, after being forced to leave their flooded homes.

Angus Council said people in more than 60 homes in Brechin, who refused previous evacuation attempts, required rescue.

brechin-scotland-uk-20th-october-2023-aerial-views-of-brechin-after-the-river-south-esk-breaks-its-banks-in-the-early-hours-on-friday-many-streets-adjacent-to-the-river-are-flooded-and-residents Aerial views of Brechin after the River South Esk breaks its banks Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they had attended about 70 weather related incidents since yesterday morning and received about 750 emergency 999 calls, which a spokesperson confirmed was an “unusually high” number of calls.

The local authority confirmed some homes in Monifieth, near Dundee, will also be evacuated, while others have been rescued in Marykirk, on the border with Aberdeenshire.

One Angus village, Edzell, is completely cut off by floodwater, with the emergency services unable to get through and the only emergency medical access via air ambulance.

20 Oct 2023 4:37PM

Pictured are flooded fleeds in Ballygawley in Co Tyrone. 

flooded-fields-at-ballygawley-in-co-tyrone-northern-ireland-as-storm-babet-batters-the-country-flood-warnings-are-in-place-in-scotland-as-well-as-parts-of-northern-england-and-the-midlands-thousa Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

flooded-fields-at-ballygawley-in-co-tyrone-northern-ireland-as-storm-babet-batters-the-country-flood-warnings-are-in-place-in-scotland-as-well-as-parts-of-northern-england-and-the-midlands-thousa Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

20 Oct 2023 4:31PM

The R627-64 Midleton to Dungourney Road in Cork near Ballinacole Cross towards Dungourney Village has been closed. 

Cork County Council said the date of reopening “will be provided in due course”. 

The road had been closed to allow for the re4placement of a collapsed culvert. 

Road traffic using the R627 from Tallow travelling to Midleton will have to divert in Dungourney Village with a left turn on to the L3805 heading for Mogeely Village.

In Mogeely, traffic will turn right onto the L3809 heading towards Two Mile Inn t-junction, turn right on N25 which leads to Midleton.

The same route is applicable in reverse.

20 Oct 2023 4:28PM

Fingal County Council has said its crews are busy responding to the impact of the weather. 

20 Oct 2023 4:13PM

A TUI flight has skid off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport while the plane was attempting to land. 

“We can confirm TUI flight TOM3551 arriving from Corfu at LBA this afternoon has moved off the runway whilst landing,” a spokesperson said.

“We are working with the airline, relevant operations teams and emergency authorities to address this situation and remove passengers from the aircraft safely.”

20 Oct 2023 4:06PM

Local Fianna Fáil TDs James O’Connor and Pádraig O’Sullivan have said a “devastating path of destruction” has been left by the flood waters in east Cork and Glanmire.

In a joint statement the Cork East TD and Cork North Central TD said:

“While we appreciate the initial funding that will be made available, the scale of the damage is unprecedented in its nature and it will require an appropriate response from Government. In addition to the Humanitarian Assistance Fund which is already in place and the upcoming business grant support, we want the Government to implement crisis funding to support those whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.

“Cork city and the east of the county will require major ongoing support to repair the damage caused by Storm Babet. We have requested immediate financial support to repair vital road infrastructure.

“We appreciate all the Ministerial level support to date, but next week’s Cabinet meeting must reflect the scale of the destruction in the area and finances must be approved to allow these areas to be rebuilt.”

20 Oct 2023 4:04PM

Aerial photos have today shown the extensive scale of the flooding in Midleton, Co Cork following Storm Babet. 

The photographs, taken by the Guileen Coast Guard with a drone at 2.40pm on Wednesday, show cars, roads and buildings in the town centre submerged in water. 

393786543_716508287170786_7977984312886686288_n Some residents had to be evacuated as 100 homes were flooded. Guileen Coast Guard Guileen Coast Guard

393362690_716507310504217_7400141145861151357_n A number of businesses also suffered damage due to the flooding. Guileen Coast Guard Guileen Coast Guard

392951833_716507260504222_3254956220034630274_n Many cars were submerged in the flood water. Guileen Coast Guard Guileen Coast Guard

20 Oct 2023 3:58PM

Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply “as quickly as possible” to customers in Kilbehenny Village in Co Limerick and Mitchelstown North in Co Cork following a shutdown of Mitchelstown Water Treatment due to the storm. 

In Trim, Co Meath, and surrounding areas, Uisce Éireann is implementing an essential night-time restriction from 10pm until 6am tomorrow. 

“This is due to recent heavy rainfall and poor-quality raw water entering the treatment plant,” it said. 

20 Oct 2023 3:54PM

Further south in the UK, the weather is starting to have an impact in the north-east of England.

A lighthouse at the mouth of the River Tyne has been damaged in Storm Babet, port officials said.

With the ongoing dangerous sea conditions, it is not safe to assess the damage to the lighthouse at South Shields, the Port of Tyne authority said.

No traffic was going in and out of the river with six metres of sea swell, it said.

The public have been urged to keep away from the area, particularly the piers, by the port authority, due to the unsafe weather conditions.

waves-crash-against-south-shields-lighthouse-after-the-top-was-ripped-off-as-storm-babet-batters-the-country-flood-warnings-are-in-place-in-scotland-as-well-as-parts-of-northern-england-and-the-midl Waves crash against South Shields lighthouse Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

An amber weather warning for rain is in place today for some parts of northern England including Yorkshire and Manchester as well as some of the Midlands, including Nottingham.

A yellow weather warning for much of the east coast of the UK is also put in place for wind and rain.

A further yellow weather warning is in place across much of eastern Scotland, northern England and the Midlands for wind and rain.

20 Oct 2023 3:52PM

Storm Babet is causing significant damage to parts of the UK. 

In Scotland, a 56-year-old driver died yesterday evening after a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus.

A 57-year-old woman also died yesterday after being swept into a river in the county.

The UK’s Met Office has issued a new red warning for rain, meaning there is a risk to life, covering parts of eastern Scotland all day on Saturday.

members-of-the-emergency-services-help-local-residents-to-safety-in-brechin-scotland-as-storm-babet-batters-the-country-flood-warnings-are-in-place-in-scotland-as-well-as-parts-of-northern-england Members of the emergency services help local residents to safety in Brechin Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Rescue operations are under way in the Scottish town of Brechin, Angus, after flood defences were breached in the early hours of Friday morning, leading to hundreds of homes being surrounded by water.

The local council has appealed for donations of warm clothes after 40 people turned up to rest centres while “soaked”.

There is also an ongoing helicopter search in Aberdeenshire following a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater.

20 Oct 2023 3:45PM

CORK

Cork, particularly Midleton, has experienced some of the worst of Storm Babet in Ireland in recent days. 

Parts of Cork faced knee-high flooding on Wednesday due to heavy rainfall from Storm Babet, particularly the town of Midleton, where members of the Defence Forces were deployed as buildings flooded and roads were cut off. 

The community was reeling from the effects yesterday as residents and business owners surveyed the damage caused by the storm. 

The county council earlier today asked the public to avoid the centre of Midleton due to a “significant” risk of further flooding after the town was ravaged by floods earlier this week.

However, the council says that risk has now subsided as the peak tide time has passed.

The council has received reports of properties flooded in Cobh, Mogeely, Ballinhassig and Glounthaune.

Road flooding has been reported in the following areas: Ballyspillane and R630, Midleton, Leamlara to Carrigtwohill, Ardskeagh Ballyhea, Castlelyons, Conna Village, Newberry to Mallow, Buffers Cross, Liscarroll to Buttevant, Liscarroll to Bog Cross, Ballyhea, Ballyclogh, Kilcoolishal Estate, Glounthaune, Water Rock, Shournagh Line at Foxes Bridge, Glen Road, Passage West, Ballea Road an Main Street and Carrigaline.

The council is asking members of the public to exercise “extreme caution” as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface flooding possible.

It is advising motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain, and to be especially conscious of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

20 Oct 2023 3:41PM

Met Éireann has said there will be spells of heavy rain in the four counties with weather warnings in place. 

The forecaster warned this could lead to: 

  • Dangerous driving conditions
  • Flooding
  • Poor visibility
20 Oct 2023 3:38PM

Hello, Hayley Halpin here. 

It’s a dark and dreary day out there. 

A Status Orange rainfall warning is currently in place for Dublin and Wicklow until 8am tomorrow. 

A Status Yellow warning is in place in Louth and Meath until 9pm this evening.

Another Yellow warning from the UK Met Office is in effect for all of Northern Ireland until 9am tomorrow. 

Stick with us here for the latest weather updates for the next few hours. 

Includes reporting by Press Association

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Hayley Halpin
hayley@thejournal.ie
@HayleyHalpin1
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