Met Éireann issues alert for heavy rainfall and flooding

Met Éireann has issued a yellow alert for high rainfall levels and possible flooding for later tonight and tomorrow morning.

Met Éireann has forecast 20 to 35mm of rain in a 24 hour period. It said the rainfall combined with gale force winds and high tides could lead to coastal flooding. Yellow is the lowest level of alert issued by the forecasting body.

Cork City Council has issued a flood alert for the city while Dublin City Council has put precautionary flood defence measures in place.

Cork City Council’s tidal flood alert begins early tomorrow until Sunday. It says a tidal surge combined with strong south to south easterly winds will increase the tide over natural levels. During this period there is a danger of tidal flooding in low lying areas of the city, it said.

Dublin City Council is closing the Liffey Boardwalk today until Friday and closing flood gates on the Dodder and Tolka rivers due to forecasted very high tides. It is also putting sandbags in place at vulnerable coastal areas of Sandymount and Clontarf. In a statement, Dublin City Council said there was “no concern” about flooding and the measures were “ purely as a precaution”.

Spot flooding is causing problems for motorists in the east and south of the country. Earlier today AA Roadwatch reported flooding in several parts of Co Cork and at Graiguecullen in Carlow but much of this has receded.

Lightning strikes in the south caused electricity outages for 100s of householders in Cork, Kerry and Waterford today but many of these issues have been resolved by ESB Networks.

Earlier today a landslide on the railway line near Thomastown caused delays on the Waterford to Heuston route. However the rail line reopened by lunchtime.

The recent highly changeable weather has seen the risk of river flooding increase because lands are already waterlogged or saturated. In coastal areas, a combination of high tides and strong onshore winds, has also increased the risk of flooding, Met Éireann said.

Met Éireann forecast that the changeable conditions are likely to continue next weekend with rain expected in all parts of the country.

However for those enjoying fireworks and outdoor events most of the country will stay dry tonight with showers , Met Éireann has forecast. Heavy rain will develop over Munster towards the end of the night, it said.

Preparations for tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations mean traffic restrictions in some areas.

Gardaí said roads are closed in the Dame Street area in preparation for tonight's countdown concert at College Green which begins at 8.30pm. This will also result in diversions for some Dublin Bus services.

There is restricted access to Limerick city centre this evening due to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Dublin revellers will be able to get home by public transport with late night train services for Dart users and for those travelling to Drogheda and Maynooth. Dublin Bus is operating a full night link service. However last departure of normal service on many routes is 9.30pm or 10pm.