The country is bracing itself for more wet and windy weather today, after yesterday’s heavy rain caused widespread traffic delays. More heavy rainfall was expected overnight in many parts of Munster, Connacht and west Ulster, accompanied by strong winds along western and southern coasts.
Met Éireann said yesterday it expected an average month’s worth of rain would fall across the country in a 24- to 36-hour period and up to 80mm in some areas. Weather forecaster Gerald Fleming said the deluge was comparable to the heavy rain that caused widespread flooding in November 2009.
“We have had a fairly long dry spell, and although the last week has brought significant rain and some of the ground is saturated, I don’t think it will bring that level of flooding,” he said. “But I would still be concerned.”
Road conditions were extremely wet and hazardous in most parts of the country yesterday but no major road flooding was reported.
Met Éireann meteorologist Pat Clarke said there was a risk of a further 20mm to 30mm of rain today, but clearer weather was expected by evening.
“It will be wet and windy at first, but it will begin to brighten in Kerry and west Cork in the morning, and drier, brighter weather with just a few showers will extend northeastwards throughout the afternoon and evening,” he said. “The rain will be gone from Ulster by nightfall.”
Saturday and Sunday will be mostly dry, with some sunshine, though temperatures will be a few degrees lower than normal.
