Ireland weather alerts: 3,000 homes without power amid flood risk

Multiple power outages have been reported across the south and east of Ireland as winds pick up, with five counties set to remain under an orange weather alert for most of Sunday.
As many as 3,000 homes are without power with crews from ESB Networks working to reestablish connections in several counties.
The status orange warning, Met Éireann’s second-highest alert level, in is place for Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford and Carlow with some intense and thundery downpours reported.
High winds and heavy showers are continuing across the impacted areas with over 50mm of rain recorded in parts of Cork – and more on the way for the south and southeast.
In terms of power outages, the worst impacted county so far has been Waterford where close to 1,000 homes in the Kilmacthomas and Kilmeaden areas were without power on Sunday afternoon. More than twice that number experienced outages earlier on Sunday before having their electricity restored by ESB Networks.
Met Éireann has warned of possible flooding, dangerous driving conditions and travel disruption across the southern part of Ireland with a total of nine counties issued with weather warnings.
In addition to the orange alerts, a status yellow rain warning has been issued for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, until 8pm with a separate yellow rain warning in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow until midnight.
The forecaster said weather could lead to localised flooding, difficult travel conditions and fallen branches or trees in some areas.
Business owners and householders in Cork city centre are bracing themselves for possible flooding.
With downpours of up 50mm of rain over 24 hours predicted in Cork there is particular concern that high tide on the river Lee around 4.30pm could lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas.
Cork City Council has advised road users including cyclists and pedestrians to proceed with caution and they have asked people around the city to secure any loose items such as wheelie bins and garden furniture due to the risk from high winds.
By Sunday afternoon, there had yet to be any reports of major flooding incidents in Cork City, while Cork county including Midleton – which was badly flooded in Storm Babet in October 2023 – appears to have escaped any major flooding even though there are some trees down in the county.
Waterford City and County Council said surface water levels would be elevated in the county on Sunday due to high accumulations of rainfall over a six- to 12-hour period.
“Impacts are likely to include localised flooding from urban and fast-responding, smaller watercourses/catchments, drains, channels and flooding from overland flow,” it said.
“Ground crews are on standby to deal with any issues that may arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, gully overflows, etc.”
The council advised the public to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface water flooding expected.
The Road Safety Authority also advised people taking to the roads to take care on Sunday and Monday, with those in areas under orange warnings recommended to check local traffic and weather conditions before departing.
A small craft warning for all Irish coasts is also in effect until 4am on Monday while status yellow marine gale warnings have been issued for all coasts where southeast winds will reach gale force 8 or 9 up to midnight on Sunday.
According to Met Éireann, it will be wet and windy across the country with outbreaks of rain spreading northeastward by the early afternoon, heaviest and most persistent in the south and southeast with flooding likely.
Rain will become light and patchy over Sunday night with mainly dry conditions developing for a time before further outbreaks of rain will move into the west and northwest
Monday will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle at first. Brighter conditions and showers will extend from the southwest through the afternoon, with some of the showers possibly heavy.