Better weather in store after heavy storm batters several counties

Nine counties were identified as 'danger zones' yesterday as Met Éireann issued a status orange alert that remained in place of most of the day

Heavy storms battered the country yesterday as several weather warnings were put in place by the national forecaster.

The south and southeast of the country were most affected, with nine counties identified as ‘danger zones’. Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Cork were all put under a status orange alert for most of the day.

Heavy rain with intense thundery downpours were seen in the south yesterday, with residents told to be on alert that local flooding was likely. Met Éireann warned that the heavy rain would cause dangerous driving conditions and the potential for travel disruption. It also alerted drivers and pedestrians that the stormy conditions could lead to fallen branches or trees.

In Cork, there were several reports of trees falling across roads due to the high storm winds. In Crosshaven, firefighters were seen tending to a large tree that fell onto a path. Luckily, no injuries were reported. Another tree caused havoc for road users in Leap. Photos showed a large tree blocking half the road, as council workers quickly cleaned up the debris.

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Live feeds from the N8 showed a significant build-up of water on the road, as motorists were urged to avoid driving where possible. The county received the worst battering with winds in West Cork reaching speeds up to 83kph. Cork Airport also experienced delays due to the weather, with flights from London, Venice, and Faro all arriving later than expected.

Kerry, Tipperary, Wicklow, and Limerick were also badly affected. The four counties were under a yellow rain warning for the majority of the day.

Although Dublin was not issued a warning, the annual Defence Forces Veterans’ Day was cancelled yesterday. A parade was due to take place at McKee Barracks, Blackhorse Ave. A new date for the event has not yet been confirmed.

All weather warnings were issued until midnight yesterday, with Met Éireann forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock saying the worst is now over.

The country will see outbreaks and drizzle this morning, but bright conditions will extend from the southwest through the afternoon.

Speaking yesterday, the forecaster said: “The worst will pass by midnight, around an hour or two of midnight. [Today,] there will still be some rain and showers, it’s cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle at first. But it will then brighten up from the southwest coupled with some showers, some of which can be heavy.”

Tuesday will also see some cloud and patchy drizzle, but promises sunshine as the day progresses.

After a weekend of heavy rain, Mr Doran-Sherlock said some good weather should be on the cards this week as high pressure will build over the country. He added: “It’s not going to be completely dry, but it will be predominantly dry with some showers between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“Temperatures will pick up going into the mid-teens. It’s a bit uncertain after that because there is a lot of activity in the Atlantic at the moment and that decreases predictability. But it is looking at becoming more settled at the end of the coming working week.”

Last week, the country saw the first of autumn’s cold spell with temperatures 2C-2.5C below average. However, Mr Doran-Sherlock said temperatures would rise this week, with the mean average expected to be 1C-2C above average for this time of year.

Yesterday’s storm was unnamed as the orange warnings in place were issued for heavy rain. According to Met Éireann, storms are only named when orange wind warnings are issued. A message on its website says: “A storm is named by a National Meteorological Service when orange level wind warnings are forecast to impact over a wide area overland.

“Orange or red level gusts can occur in exposed areas without the event being named. Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI (Netherlands) collaborate in forecasting and naming storms. The names are chosen from public suggestions and are in alphabetical order, alternating between genders.”

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