Storm Bert: Nature’s Not-So-Gentle Reminder of Who’s Boss
Ah, Storm Bert has swept through like that friend who shows up uninvited, crashes your party, and leaves your house looking like a tornado hit it—if tornadoes could drizzle. Met Éireann has let us know that the status red rain and wind warning has thankfully expired, much like my hope that I’d ever see my ex’s name fade from my memory. But don’t put away those life jackets just yet, folks! A yellow wind and rain warning is still hanging around like that leftover takeaway from last week’s binge-watch marathon.
If you’re in Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Cavan, or Monaghan, be prepared for some rather soggy shenanigans until noon. Cork County Council seems to be on top of things, assuring us that high tides have passed without incident—thank goodness! Can you imagine those poor business owners who just finally got their floors dry after last month’s flooding? They must’ve been sweating more than a snowman in July.
Now, moving on to the drama queen of roads: the R588 from Copeen to Enniskeane is closed due to flooding. Nothing says “Welcome to Ireland” quite like impassable roads! Meanwhile, reports are rolling in of a tree down on Killumney Road, after Cuddihy’s garage. Honestly, if only those trees could’ve exercised a little common sense and just moved out of the way!
And if you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the main street in Ballingeary is currently a river. I mean, it’s a scenic route now—welcome to the Ballingeary Water Park! Those looking to get anywhere should probably consider a kayak.
As for events, the planned Corkmas festive market at Emmett Place is off for now, but don’t fret! It’s scheduled for a comeback on Sunday, just in time for people to cozy up with overpriced hot chocolate and contemplate their life choices. That’s right, folks: nature’s chaos won’t ruin your holiday cheer!
Meanwhile, Carrigaline is experiencing its own power struggles, with 120 people without power. Seriously, if Mother Nature enjoys playing God, can she at least give us a little light? The ESB is on the case, with restoration expected by dinner time. And for those in Youghal, hold tight till noon, while the fine folks of Roscarberry can expect their service restored by 2 PM—just in time for tea!
Bus Éireann has decided to pull the plug on several Cork services, so if you’re looking to catch a ride, you might want to consider your options, including a game of “Is that a bus, or is it just my imagination?” (Spoiler: it’s always your imagination.)
For those of you wondering about the wine-soaked storm’s aftermath, here’s the lowdown: lots of floods, some power outages, and various closures to roads that weren’t prepared for the wet t-shirt contest that was Storm Bert. It’s a classic case of underestimated weather, but it’s okay; we all forget our umbrellas from time to time—usually the hard way!
So what’s the takeaway? Stay informed, keep an eye on Met Éireann for updates, and above all, maybe invest in those galoshes you’ve been eyeing all year. Remember, folks: when life gives you storms, make yourself a cozy nook with a good book (or a bottle of wine) and let the rest of the world float away!
In this entertaining take on the weather report, we harness a cheeky tone combined with observational humor, ensuring that readers have a good laugh while staying informed about Storm Bert and its impact.
As Storm Bert continues its exit from the region, the Met Éireann’s highest-level status red warning for rain and wind has officially expired. However, a status yellow warning for wind and rain remains in effect, impacting the counties of Leinster, Munster, Connacht, as well as Cavan and Monaghan, and will last until midday.
In a positive turn of events, Cork County Council reported that the anticipated high tide in Bantry has passed without any incidents, which has relieved local business owners and residents who had been severely affected by flooding last month.
The county council emphasized that response crews are actively deployed across Cork to assess and manage any ongoing issues resulting from the storm.
The R588 road connecting Copeen to Enniskeane is currently closed due to significant flooding, creating additional travel disruptions in the area.
Reports indicate that the main street in Ballingeary has become impassable as a result of severe flooding, preventing local commuters and residents from navigating the area.
Additionally, there is a report of a downed tree on Killumney Road, just past Cuddihy’s garage, posing a hazard for motorists traveling on the Ballincollig side.
A stone wall on the N72 outside Ballyhooly has suffered storm damage, and county council crews are actively working to clear the wreckage and restore safety to the area.
Further flooding has been observed on the R579 between Healy’s Bridge and Cloghroe, contributing to traffic disruptions in the region.
In Cork city, the much-anticipated Corkmas festive market that was scheduled to take place at Emmett Place has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, but it is now set to proceed as planned this Sunday.
In Carrigaline, where hundreds experienced power outages overnight due to a fault, the situation has improved but 120 residents are still without electricity. The ESB has assured that power restoration is expected by 6 PM today.
Additionally, in Youghal, another 120 customers are currently without power, with services expected to be restored by midday.
In Roscarberry, 73 individuals remain without power, with the ESB forecasting restoration of services by 2 PM.
In Clonakilty, 12 customers are currently experiencing outages, and while several areas faced nighttime blackouts, the situation in Carrigaline has improved following repairs.
Bus Éireann has announced the cancellation of several Cork services due to the storm’s impact, with real-time updates available at https://buseireann.ie/.
Met Éireann is providing ongoing weather updates throughout the day, accessible at https://www.met.ie/.
A status yellow wind warning will be in effect for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Wicklow, commencing from 5 PM this Saturday until 2 AM Sunday.
Earlier reports highlighted multiple instances of flooding and power outages across County Cork as the Met Éireann status red rain warning was in effect until 10 AM. Storm Bert, the season’s second named storm, brought turbulent weather conditions across the nation.
On Friday, Met Éireann issued two separate red warnings, signaling the highest level of threat for Cork and Galway, cautioning residents about potential “severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and treacherous travel conditions.”
In a notable incident earlier this morning, a Ryanair flight from Birmingham to Cork was diverted to Shannon Airport due to what officials described as “an unstable approach.”
Despite these challenges, Cork Airport remains operational, and passengers are encouraged to contact their airlines for specific flight updates.
The Cross River Ferry service between Cobh and Passage West has been suspended due to high winds, with a resumption of service contingent upon safety assessments.
West Cork was predicted to experience the heaviest impact from the storm, with substantial rainfall expected overnight.
Cork County Council’s severe weather assessment team met on Friday afternoon to strategize and will have personnel monitoring vulnerable areas such as Bantry and Midleton throughout the night to ensure community safety.
In Dunmanway, rising water levels have led to the closure of the Ardcahan bridge, further complicating local travel.
Flood barriers have been strategically installed in Fermoy and Mallow as a precaution, with multiple roads in the Mallow area closed due to flooding, including key local roads off the N72 at Spa Glen, Ballylough Cross, and Parkadallane, along with the R620 at Dromore and Clyda Bridge, as rising river levels pose additional risks.
Longfields Bridge and Killavullen Road are also closed as a safety measure due to the increasing river levels in the vicinity.
In Little Island, flooding has been reported between Circle K and Euro Business Park, compounding traffic issues, while the R600 between Timoleague and Clonakilty has also suffered from floodwaters.
Ballineen’s Idle Bridge has been rendered impassable due to severe flooding, causing further travel complications in the area.
A significant number of power outages have affected hundreds of homes across the county, with the ESB Powercheck website reporting that 1,920 customers are without power. Specific impacts include 212 customers in Mallow and 62 in Kildorrery without electricity.
Cork City Council’s severe weather assessment team acknowledged that, while the city is forecasted to experience heavy rain, the rainfall level is not expected to reach red warning status, contrasting with the more severe impacts in surrounding areas.
The council expressed that while tidal flooding is not anticipated, localised spot flooding and debris accumulation due to continued rainfall is likely to occur, urging motorists to exercise caution on wet roads and prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
The Department of Social Protection has announced that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be activated to support residents living in properties directly impacted by Storm Bert’s effects.
Met Éireann continues to provide essential weather updates throughout the day at https://www.met.ie/.
More to follow…
What resources are available for residents affected by storm damage on Llumney Road?
Llumney Road also face closures due to debris and downed trees caused by the storm’s high winds. Local emergency services are on high alert and prioritizing clearing debris to restore normalcy in affected areas.
The community spirit is resilient, with many neighbors helping each other navigate the uncomfortable reality of the aftermath of Storm Bert. Those who have power are sharing it with friends and family whose electricity remains out, embodying the idea that in tough times, we all come together.
As you sip your hot beverage—hopefully while wrapped in cozy blankets—remember that this too shall pass. If you’re able, check in on your neighbors, especially those more vulnerable, as a small gesture can go a long way in times like these.
For more ongoing updates, remember to visit your local news sites, and don’t hesitate to share tips or support through social media. Together, we’ll weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side!
