Storm Francis brought strong winds, rough seas and heavy rainfall to parts of UK and Ireland from 24 August 2020.
In Ireland, the worst of the flooding was in reported in County Cork, in particular in the towns of Bantry and Bandon, where roads, homes and businesses were severely damaged. Rosscarbery in County Cork recorded 53.4mm of rain reported in 24 hours to 25 August, while 86.2mm of rain fell at Cloonee Lake in Kerry during the same period.
In Northern Ireland, the Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it responded to 28 flooding incidents in Newcastle, Maghera, Draperstown and Cookstown. The Shimna river broke its banks in County Down.
Strong winds downed trees and power lines in England and Wales, leaving thousands without power.
Storm Francis also brought heavy rainfall to parts of Wales. Lake Vyrnwy in Powys recorded 68.4 mm in 24 hours to 25 August. Several rivers broke their banks in North Wales, including the Glaslyn river at Beddgelert, which reached record highs on 25 August, reaching around 2.4 metres.
Around 80 people were evacuated from their homes in areas of Bethesda, Abergwyngregyn, Llandygai and Beddgelert. Some roads were closed after heavy rain triggered a landslip near Bethesda.
Elsewhere in Wales, rescue teams were searching 2 people believed to be missing in the Taff river near Cardiff on 25 August. Meanwhile in Carmarthenshire, several people were rescued after a campsite flooded early on 25 August.
Social Media
New st, main st, barrack st, the Square, all flooded #Bantry @CorkSafetyAlert @corkcountyfire pic.twitter.com/Kftm5Fw2Jh
— Bantry Fire Brigade (@BantryFire) August 24, 2020
Between midnight & 5pm today we have attended 28 flooding incidents across the Newcastle, Maghera, Draperstown & Cookstown areas. Working in challenging conditions, Firefighters, with the support of other agencies, rescued 37 people from flood water. #NotjustFires #SaferTogether pic.twitter.com/i5mXaPDwKC
— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) August 25, 2020
