LAST UPDATE | 18 Oct

MET ÉIREANN HAS issued weather warnings for six counties in southern Ireland, with counties Cork and Waterford under a Status Orange rain warning until tomorrow morning.

The national forecaster warned that flooding is possible in Cork and Waterford and said weather conditions will make travel very difficult.

The orange alert will be in place from 8pm tonight until 5am on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford.

Met Éireann has advised that the counties could be in for spells of heavy rain with the possibility of a few thundery downpours.

Locals should be aware there will be potential of localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

The warning comes into place at 8pm today and will remain in place until 8am Sunday.

Counties Cork, Kerry, Wicklow and Waterford are also under a Status Yellow warning.

Spells of heavy rain are expected, with the possibility of a few thundery downpours. Potential impacts could include localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

The warming comes into place at 5pm today and will remain in place until 5am Sunday.

Advice for counties under Status Orange

In a statement today, Waterford City and County Council said its severe weather management team met this afternoon and is monitoring the situation, with ground crews on stand-by.

“Waterford City and County Council advises the public to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface water flooding expected,” it said.

The council advised motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and are reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 and calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

In the event that sandbags are required, they are available at Waterford City and County Council Machinery Yard in Dungarvan.

In a statement yesterday evening, Cork County Council said its Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this evening to plan its response to the weather.

Crews were deployed on Friday afternoon inspecting “known risk locations across the county”, a council spokesperson said.

Crews will continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend and pumping precautions will be in place in known problem locations.

Issues such as flooding and road damage should be reported to the Council’s ‘Emergency Out of Hours’ number (021) 4800048.

Emergency contact numbers which may be necessary:

• Emergency 999/112
• Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
• ESB Networks 1800 372 999
• Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050