Cork floods: Gardaí in Storm Babet warning as footage emerges of people waist high in water

Parts of Cork are under flood waters today after a month's worth of rain fell in a matter of hours as a result of Storm Babet.

A Status Orange rainfall warning for Cork lapsed at lunchtime on Wednesday but was replaced by a Status Yellow warning which will remain in place until 6pm.

Met Éireann had warned of extreme rain for much of today and into this evening with counties like Cork, Waterford and Kerry preparing for floods yesterday.

In an update on Midleton in Cork, gardaí said: "We are aware that the town of Midleton Co. Cork is currently impassable to traffic due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Babet. Please avoid the town if possible and use an alternative route."

Other areas in Cork and Waterford in particular are experiencing torrential rain and flooding. 

*Not my video. Sent via WA

Level Crossing at #Midleton #Cork #corkfloods pic.twitter.com/txzhxRpirn

— Tori Tops (@Just__Tori_) October 18, 2023

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has said some parts are experiencing record rain.

"The @opwireland River water level sensor at Ballea Carrigaline in Cork has gone above its all time record from 1978 and is still rising," he explained.

"Youghal official station has now recorded 80mm since midnight. The heavy rain is slowly moving Northeast with Southwest seeing an easing but very heavy rain in Waterford and moving into Wexford and Wicklow now.

"Shocking images from Midleton now. So sad to see and so many not prepared for it. I tried to get across the message of what was coming but this is just a hobby for me. We need that flood warning system live," he added.

The roads are getting washed away with homes and business flooded and cars and even trucks stranded in flood waters. Thoughts with all those impacted and the emergency services who are responding to the crisis. https://t.co/Urw5yBtlIU

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 18, 2023

Met Éireann warning for rain will continue in place until 6pm on Wednesday for Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork and all of Connacht, and 8pm for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Waterford.

They say: "Spells of rain will be heavy at times. Strong and gusty east to southeast winds at times."

They continue to warn of "localised flooding, reduced visibility and dangerous road conditions."