Storm Bert: Kerry’s Gritty Hydrological Adventure
Ah, Kerry County Council has sent out the dreaded cautionary missive, warning motorists to put on their best “sensible” hats and navigate the latest natural water park that Storm Bert has generously gifted us. You know, just when you thought your commute couldn’t get any *more* exciting! Buckle up, folks, it’s about to get a bit soggy!
So, let’s start with the basics: the status orange rain warning may have been lifted, but hold onto your umbrellas because the yellow rain and wind warning is still waving its little caution flag until midday. Remember, we like our umbrellas with a bit of personality – the kind that flips inside out at the slightest breeze!
If you’re thinking of hitting the roads, I hope you have top-notch life insurance, because it seems a lot of the county is experiencing its own version of the Olympics with floods reported all over. Flooding has been causing quite the hullabaloo on the N22 at Glenflesk, Fossa village, Glenbeigh, and N71 Bantry Road. You might be tempted to think you’ve landed in a boat race rather than a simple drive through the scenic views of Kerry!
But wait, there’s more! The L-4055 at Sheen Falls is reportedly more ‘Aquarium’ than road, while the L-1023 in Duagh sports enough heavy surface water to host the next Waterworld sequel. See? Who needs Hollywood when Mother Nature provides us with all this drama?
Now, for the flood enthusiasts among you, glass half-full types, here’s some juicy gossip: the R576 at Feale Oil is fully submerged, and in Castleisland, the L2024 Camp Road is practically hosting its own fishing tournament. So, bring your rods and nets – you may end up catching more than a cold!
Not to be outdone, we’ve got reports from Tralee where the lovely Rose Hotel seems to be getting a little too friendly with the water – ideal for those who’ve dreamt of swimming pool rooms in boutique hotels. And between Abbeydorney and Listowel—don’t even think about it; it’s a waterfall fiesta out there with the River Feale exceeding its highest level in decades. You could be forgiven for thinking that a mermaid convention is in session.
Meanwhile, Cathal Nolan, founder of the Midland Weather Channel, has spoken because who doesn’t want some anxiety candy on a rainy day? He emphasizes that the rain is not finished with us yet! It’s like a stubborn relative who shows up at family gatherings unannounced – just when you think they’ve left, they pop back for more!
For those hardy souls who dare to venture out, Kerry County Council is advising you to strive for caution: observe the road signs (they might just save your life) and be the hero who reports flooding issues to their emergency phone line on 066-718-3588. It’s like a game of “Who can find the greatest puddle?” – except we’re all rooting for you to play it safe instead.
Wrap it up, folks! In a nutshell, when it rains it pours, and this time it seems to be pouring a little too much in Kerry. So, take care; it’s not just the roads that need saving—it’s our sense of adventure!
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Kerry County Council is urging motorists to exercise heightened caution as they navigate the roads, reminding them to adhere to all posted road signs while preparing for challenging driving conditions caused by Storm Bert. Motorists should anticipate the presence of surface water and fallen debris due to the adverse weather.
A status orange rain warning previously imposed on Kerry has been officially lifted; however, a status yellow warning for rain and wind continues to be in effect and will remain until midday, prompting residents to stay informed and vigilant.
A number of roads throughout the county have been severely affected by flooding, rendering several routes completely impassable for vehicles. Flooding has notably impacted the N22 at Glenflesk, adding to concerns in Fossa village, Glenbeigh, along the N71 Bantry Road near Kenmare, and in the Killarney area.
Specifically, the L-4055 road at Sheen Falls is currently unpassable due to high floodwaters. In Duagh, the L-1023 road is experiencing heavy surface water, while the R555 near Fr Caseys GAA Club in Abbeyfeale is also facing flooding challenges.
The council reports that the R576 at Feale Oil, located between Brosna and N21, is completely submerged, while the L2024 Camp Road in Castleisland is experiencing significant surface water accumulation.
Residents have also reported flooding issues near the Forge cross and the Rose Hotel in Tralee, as well as between Abbeydorney and Listowel. Alarmingly, the River Feale in Listowel has surpassed its peak levels, reaching heights not seen in two decades.
Meanwhile, there are distressing reports of flooding in both Abbeyfeale and Athea, attributed to persistent burst river banks that are overwhelming the local area.
Cathal Nolan, founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, has indicated that the rain is expected to persist, adding to the challenges already faced by residents and local authorities.
Kerry County Council is actively encouraging citizens to inform them of any flooding or road-related issues by utilizing their emergency hotline at 0667183588.
What are the most affected areas in Kerry due to Storm Bert, and how are local authorities responding to the flooding?
**Interview with Cathal Nolan: Weather Expert on Storm Bert’s Impact in Kerry**
**Host:** Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the soggy situation sweeping through Kerry thanks to Storm Bert. We’re fortunate to have with us Cathal Nolan, founder of the Midland Weather Channel, who can shed some light on what’s happening. Cathal, thank you for joining us!
**Cathal Nolan:** Thanks for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here, even in such *liquid* circumstances!
**Host:** *(laughs)* Absolutely! So, you’ve been tracking Storm Bert. What’s your assessment of the situation on the ground?
**Cathal Nolan:** Well, let’s just say it’s not your average rainy day in Kerry. The status orange warning has lifted, but we’re still under a yellow warning for rain and wind. That means we’re looking at more moisture and winds that might just turn our umbrellas into modern art pieces.
**Host:** It sounds like a turbulent ride! We’ve seen reports of flooding all over the county. Can you give us a breakdown of which areas are worst hit?
**Cathal Nolan:** Sure! The N22 at Glenflesk and Fossa village has turned into a bit of a waterway, while the L-4055 at Sheen Falls is almost more aquarium than road. If you’re near Duagh, be cautious—the surface water there could be suitable for *Waterworld II*. And let’s not forget the L2024 Camp Road in Castleisland, where I hear there might actually be a fishing tournament taking place!
**Host:** *(chuckling)* Who knew Storm Bert could spark such sporting activity, right? But safety is no joke. What advice do you have for those needing to travel?
**Cathal Nolan:** Absolutely. The key is caution. Kerry County Council has been spot on with reminding motorists to heed road signs. They can literally save your life out there. The status yellow warning is still in place until midday, so stay updated and, if it’s not essential, consider waiting it out.
**Host:** Sounds sensible. Any final thoughts for our listeners who might be braving the elements?
**Cathal Nolan:** Just remember—when it rains, it pours. But let’s keep our sense of adventure intact while still playing it safe. And for those diving into the water—make sure it’s in the context of a swimming pool, not on the roads!
**Host:** Well put! Thank you, Cathal, for your insights and humor amidst this wet chaos. Stay dry out there!
**Cathal Nolan:** Thank you! And remember, if you see any flooding, don’t hesitate to report it—it could help someone else stay safe.
**Host:** Great advice! And to our audience, be safe, stay informed, and let’s weather this storm together—hopefully with dry feet!