Ireland – Tidal Floods Hit County Cork

by in Europe, News

Local authorities in County Cork, south-western Ireland, reported extensive tidal flooding in coastal areas early on 20 October, 2020.

Tidal floods hit the City of Cork early on 20 October, 2020. Photo: Cork Civil Defence

Cork County Council said “storm surge coupled with spring tides have been the major contributory factors. A southerly wind direction and high wind speeds coinciding with high tides had the effect of increasing the tide significantly.” The storm surge and high winds are likely associated with Storm Barbara that moved over Portugal and is making its way across western Europe.

In County Cork, areas of the city of Cork were among the worst hit, with the towns of Bantry, Kinsale and Youghal were also badly affected.

A high tide late on 19 October caused some flooding in Cork city, but more severe flooding was to come from the early morning tide of 08:35 on 20 October. Motorists were asked to avoid Cork City Centre early on 20 October. Local media described it some of the the worst tidal flooding in the city in the last 10 years. Several streets close to the River Lee were under water up to 1 metre deep. Homes and in particular businesses in the area suffered significant material damages.

Cork City government said on 20 October that “Cork City Council Operations crews, Cork City Fire Brigade and Cork City Civil Defence are on site to assist as serious flooding has occurred on low lying quays, Oliver Plunkett Street, South Mall, with waters coming up Caroline Street and Winthrop Street.”

Many businesses suffered damages in the City of Cork after tidal floods on 20 October 2020. Photo: Cork Civil Defence

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