Met Éireann has issued its highest level of weather warning for Cork and Galway as Storm Bert approaches Ireland, bringing threats of severe flooding and dangerous conditions overnight.
The Status Red rain warning will be in effect from midnight until 10am Saturday, with meteorologists warning of potential severe flooding and damage to homes and businesses, particularly in west Cork and west Galway.
According to The Journal, additional Status Orange warnings have been issued for Clare, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, and Waterford, while a Status Yellow wind and rain warning covers Leinster, Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan from 10pm tonight until noon Saturday.
Met Éireann meteorologist Andrew Doran-Sherlock emphasized the storm’s severity, noting that heavy rainfall on already saturated ground could lead to significant flooding in urban areas and river catchments, particularly in the west and southwest.
The national forecaster warns of deteriorating conditions throughout tonight, with very strong and gusty south to southeast winds, especially near coastal areas. Temperatures will initially drop to between 0 and 5 degrees but are expected to rise as the night progresses.
Saturday will bring warmer temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees, though very wet and windy conditions will persist. Met Éireann is monitoring the situation closely, with potential for additional Status Orange wind warnings in western and northwestern counties.
The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling, with impacts from Storm Bert potentially lasting into early next week.