WEATHER ALERT: Parts of Kilkenny at ‘high risk’ of flooding, warns Met Eireann
PARTS of Kilkenny are on ‘high alert’ for flooding after the county was battered by torrential showers over the weekend.
In its latest update, Met Éireann said Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Connacht are at a high risk of flooding.
The warning has put towns and villages in South Kilkenny such as Thomastown and Inistioge, which are prone to flooding, on a state of readiness as water levels rise.
Met Éireann said: “Today will be wet over much of Munster, Connacht, west Ulster and in the west and south of Leinster with spells of heavy rain. The rain will become lighter and patchier in many parts through the afternoon.
The national forecaster added: “Rain will become persistent and heavy again this evening and overnight spreading up over Munster, Connacht and south Leinster. Heavy, possibly thundery, downpours are likely over south Munster with spot flooding.”
A Status Yellow rainfall warning issued for Kilkenny on Saturday remains in place until 6pm today.
Rainfall is expected to reach between 45-60 mm. However, as much as 60-100mm is possible over mountainous areas of West Cork, coastal areas of Cork, and Waterford.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging drivers to heed the warnings during dangerous weather conditions.
“Just heed the advice that Met Éireann and, in particular, the local authorities and gardaí are giving in relation to conditions in your local area,” said the RSA’s Brian Farrell.
“Check [the weather] before you head out on a journey, be mindful that in heavy rain, visibility is going to be reduced, use your dipped headlights and remember that breaking distances will be increased so slow down and give extra space between you and the vehicle in front.”
