Ireland Braces for Further Flooding as Heavy Rain Returns
A fresh wave of heavy rainfall is set to impact Ireland, particularly the east, north-east, and south-east, raising fears of renewed flooding in areas already devastated by recent storms. Met Éireann has issued a status yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford, effective from midday Friday through midnight Saturday. This comes as communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of Storm Chandra and saturated ground conditions exacerbate the risk of localized and river flooding.
The national forecaster warns that the incoming rain, coupled with already high river levels and ground saturation, creates a high likelihood of flooding. “Water has limited capacity to soak into the ground, so runoff may increase quickly especially in low lying or poorly drained areas,” Met Éireann cautioned in its warning. A separate yellow warning remains in place for counties in Northern Ireland – Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry – until 6 PM Friday.
Laois and Wexford on High Alert
Local authorities are actively preparing for the anticipated deluge. Laois County Council has issued a flood warning, highlighting the vulnerability of Mountmellick and Portarlington. Simon Walton, director of services at Laois County Council, described a “palpable fear of flooding” in these areas, emphasizing the urgent need for flood relief schemes. He also issued a stern warning to motorists, recounting recent incidents where emergency services had to rescue drivers who ignored road closure signs and attempted to navigate flooded roadways.
Similarly, Wexford County Council is on “high flood alert,” particularly in Enniscorthy and Bunclody. CEO Eddie Taaffe stated the “period of danger” will last approximately 48 hours. The council has already distributed around 10,000 sandbags to residents and businesses since last Saturday, and is urging drivers to exercise extreme caution. Taaffe expressed “very disappointed” sentiments regarding the prolonged delays in establishing a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, a project hampered by planning issues despite years of collaboration with the Office of Public Works.
Travel Disruptions and Emergency Preparedness
The impact of the severe weather is already being felt on the transportation network. Enterprise Train has announced a reduced timetable between Belfast and Dublin due to flooding on the line, with bus transfers operating to Newry.
Here is a link to the Enterprise Train service updates: https://t.co/nTtZDuNYJ6
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential interventions. A statement from the group affirmed that local response teams are on standby, ensuring resources are in place to address emerging challenges.
Climate Change and Increased Flood Risk
As Ireland braces for more extreme weather, new research from Maynooth University underscores the role of climate change in exacerbating flood events. Analysts found that the rainfall leading up to and including Storm Chandra was 9% greater than it would have been in a pre-industrial climate, making the devastating floods almost three times more likely. “We would have expected similar seven-day rainfall to happen once in every 150 years,” researchers noted.
Read the full insights into the impact of climate change on recent flooding events here.
Gardaí Issue Road Safety Warning
With a busy bank holiday weekend approaching, Gardaí are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. Garda Supt Liam Geraghty emphasized the need for reduced speeds, citing wet road conditions and potential debris. He strongly advised against attempting to drive through flooded roads, warning of potential vehicle damage and the risk of requiring rescue from emergency services. He also cautioned against distracted driving, noting that officers have observed drivers engaging in activities such as shaving and applying makeup behind the wheel.
Met Éireann forecasts highs of 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, with scattered showers continuing in some areas alongside the heavier rainfall. The coming days will be a critical test of Ireland’s preparedness as communities brace for yet another bout of severe weather and the ongoing threat of widespread flooding.
