Flooding caused by Storm Claudia is still possible across parts of Leinster and Munster, despite wind and rain warnings having expired.
Some rivers have not yet peaked, and though there has been an improvement in weather conditions on Saturday, the impact of the recent heavy rainfall will continue to be felt over the weekend. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) said ground conditions in many areas are already saturated and many rivers are currently at capacity.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland is working with local authorities to respond to affected areas, but some roads may need to be kept closed due to flooding, the NDFEM said. All motorists are advised to follow any traffic instructions put in place and to take considerable care when travelling.
Rainfall over the last 24 hours has caused flooding in a number of areas, with Wexford and Laois hit particularly hard. On Saturday afternoon a meeting was convened by the NDFEM involving relevant government departments, State agencies and utility providers.
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In a statement, national director of the NDFEM Keith Leonard said: “We are asking people to drive with extreme caution and be aware of the local conditions which will vary from place to place depending on the level of flooding.
“We continue to ask people to avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, and to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, where banks can collapse without warning.”
Local authorities are liaising with community welfare officers and Government departments to access the relevant flood relief humanitarian assistance scheme, which has been activated to assist households and businesses impacted by the storm.
Parts of Co Wexford have been badly hit, with homes and businesses flooded and “lots of damage to roads”, a local councillor has said.
Speaking about his district of Gorey-Kilmuckridge, Cllr Craig Doyle said there were “massive efforts from road crews overnight and we’re still trying to keep roads open but rivers are bursting their banks all over the district,” Cllr Doyle said. “The Ounavarra [river] is 100 feet wide in places and two metres higher than its normal level.”
A road in Courtown is starting to fall into the river as well, Cllr Doyle added. He advised people to stay clear of the floods as the currents are strong and dangerous.
Members of the public were also advised to stay away from the village of Blackwater in Co Wexford which has been hit again by flooding. The Blackwater river has burst its banks flooding a number of houses and the local pub.
Flooding around the area has now become almost an annual event. Leas cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Oliver Walsh, who is from the village, said: “Some people here are just waiting for when the water will come [into their homes]. They are in sheer fear.
“It’s devastating for those who have their homes and businesses flooded”.
Elsewhere in the southeast, Carlow town park is closed as it has been completely flooded. Carlow County Council issued a warning that the public should avoid the area due to “elevated river levels”.
While about 5,000 had no power on Saturday morning, ESB Networks say the number of customers impacted by the storm is now in the low hundreds. Crews are continuing to work to restore power to the remaining customers.
The public have been warned that if they come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network they should avoid touching or approaching the cables as they are live and extremely dangerous.
Dublin City Council (DCC) said the Dodder river “remains under close observation”, with cumulative rainfall on the Dublin Mountains exceeding 100mm since yesterday and contributing to high river levels.
There are flood defence gates in place along the lower Dodder near the Aviva Stadium, where the Irish rugby team are set to face Australia this evening.
Last night, the Dodder experienced “a substantial swell”, according to the DCC. Localised flooding was contained to the Dartry area of Milltown. About 2,000 properties are receiving increased protection through additional flood defences.
Met Éireann said Saturday night would be largely cloudy but drier than late with occasional patches of light rain and drizzle in light to moderate northeast winds.
Tomorrow morning will be mostly dry and cloudy just isolated rain, drizzle and mist. It will become sunnier from the north through the day with isolated showers possible. Highest temperatures will reach 7 to 12 degrees.
