Flooding expected in Republic of Ireland as Orange warning issued

Heavy rain and flooding is expected in the Republic of Ireland with Status Orange weather warnings in place for three counties.

These warnings come after weeks of heavy rain and flooding in some areas of Ireland, including Kilkenny and Wexford.

A Status Orange rain warning will be in place for Dublin and Wicklow from 12:00 Thursday to 12:00 Friday, while a Status Orange rain warning is in place in Waterford until 09:00 on Friday.

Status Yellow rain warnings have also been issued for counties including Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Dublin and Wicklow.

In a nationwide weather advisory, Irish forecaster Met Éireann has warned that flooding is likely due to a combination of already saturated ground, high river levels and high tides.

The Road Safety Authority is urging drivers to take care on the roads.

Dublin City Council said it was monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely to “ensure appropriate responses as required”.

It said its crews were active across the city, with removal of debris at rivers and blockage clearing ongoing to minimise negative impacts.

The council has a “limited supply of sandbags at strategic locations for use in response to identified flooding risks”.

Wicklow County Council said it was in a “state of readiness” ahead of the Status Orange warning.

It said it had taken a number of preventative measures, including replenishing stocks of sandbags, closing roads subject to flooding and structural damage, and crews working to clear drains and gullies that have become blocked with flood debris.

In Waterford, the council said high tide had passed on Thursday morning and flood defence barriers had been effective.

Waterford City and County Council ground crews are on site to monitor the situation.

Weather stations at Dublin Airport and Phoenix Park in Dublin both recorded their wettest January since 1948.

A study carried out between Maynooth University and Met Éireann found that the amount of rain over eight days, including during Storm Chandra, was three times more likely due to climate change.