In similar circumstances to many parts of the United Kingdom, storms, heavy rain, high tides and strong winds brought flooding to various parts of Ireland. Coastal areas have been particularly vulnerable. Power outages have also been affecting some of the flooded areas.
The counties of Galway, Limerick, Cork, Clare (the town of Ennis), and Kerry have all been affected and there could be worse to come.
According to Met Éireann, very unsettled weather is forecast to continue for the rest of the week, with a risk of above-average rainfall and flooding. In particular, strong onshore winds and high tides could cause some further coastal flooding.
Limerick
The River Shannon overflowed in the town of Limerick on 1 February 2014, causing 100s of people to evacuate their homes.
The river actually burst its banks in sevrreal dufferent locations. The situation in Limerick is of such concern to the Irish government that Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Brian Hayes was due to travel visit the area today to assess the situation.
Parts of St Mary's Park, Limerick, still under three feet of water. #floods @Limerick_leader pic.twitter.com/Ac4EjVYgwA
— anne sheridan (@annesheridan1) February 2, 2014
Go on yourself, Peg! Ger Hogan and his horses rescuing friends and neighbours in Limerick: http://t.co/S35P85s9zI pic.twitter.com/KI1k1eKRkg
— Anna Machell (@thespyglass) February 1, 2014
Cork
The heavy rain, strong winds and high tides also caused problems in Cork City and across areas of County Cork, including Bandon, Skibbereen, Mallow and Carrigaline. There was some flooding on many of the county’s roads which were the cause of accidents in Clondulane and Macroom. One local media report said that the county endured torrential rainfall for over 12 hours.
In Cork City the River Lee broke its banks once again, just 3 days after it had previously done so. This caused some flooding to areas of the city including Father Mathew Quay, Wandesford Quay, South Mall, Union Quay and Morrison’s Island.
Galway
The high tide over the weekend flooded parts of Galway City and other coastal areas nearby. In Galway City the worst affected areas include the promenade in Salthill, a section of which is closed until Monday, and the areas of Spanish Arch, Claddagh Quay and The Docks, despite flood defence being put in place.
Road completely cut off by floods at Seapoint #Galway pic.twitter.com/fMqU9JEHn9
— Lyndsay Hughes (@LynScribbles) February 1, 2014
Kerry
The high tides and storm winds washed debris onto an access road, cutting off the coastal community of Kilshannig area near Castlegregory in west Kerry. Around 20 families were affected. There was also some flooding reported in the town of Tralee.
Sources: RTE; Irish Independent
