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Updated: 3.30pm
MET ÉIREANN has issued a status orange rainfall warning for counties Clare, Cork and Kerry, as residents in the Shannon catchment area brace themselves for even worse flooding over the weekend.
Prolonged falls of very heavy rain (30-50mm) are expected to cause further flooding overnight and tomorrow, the forecaster said.
A yellow rainfall warning has also been issued by the weather service. Both come into effect at midnight.
Clare County Council yesterday issued a severe flood warning for the county as rising waters in the lower Shannon approach levels not experienced since November 2009.
In a statement, the local authority said a combination of heavy rainfall, elevated water levels in waterways, saturated ground, spring tides and strong winds were likely to result in localised flooding.
Weather patterns today will determine whether the 2009 water levels are likely to be exceeded, the council said.
A number of residents in and around the village of the Clare village of Clonlara have evacuated their homes as flooding continues in the county.
Shannon water levels are expected to peak on Monday or Tuesday from Lough Derg to Limerick City.
The flow of water down the river through Parteen Weir, to the south of the lake, will remain unchanged at 375 cubic metres per second today.
The ESB said:
The levels in Lough Derg are monitored on a daily basis and [we] will advise if that flow is likely to increase. With further rain expected over the weekend, the level of water flowing down the Shannon may increase over the next number of days.
Members of the Defence Forces continue to assist the Red Cross, council staff and fire services with flood defence measures in the worst-hit areas along the Shannon.
Farms and roads
Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said his department is working closely with agriculture body Teagasc to assess the situation on the ground. Advisers are available to give advice and support to farm families in flooded areas, he said in a statement this morning.
The Road Safety Authority has issued an appeal to drivers to take extra care. Here’s the specific advice for motorists dealing with flood conditions:
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