Cork city has been hit by the worst tidal flooding it has seen in between five and 10 years.
Water has been flowing through the streets since high tide began to roll in this morning.
The levels are not receding at the speed council officials had hoped and people are being warned to avoid the city centre until the tide recedes.
Newstalk presenter Jonathan Healy had a first had look at the scenes as he prepared to fill in for Pat Kenny this morning.
"2020 really is the year that just won't give anyone a break," @jonathanhealy gives us an update on the flooding in Cork City. pic.twitter.com/RVEMbLgbT4
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) October 20, 2020
There are fears there may be a lot of damage to buildings around the River Lee – particularly in the Oliver Plunkett Street area.
Cork City Council Director of Operations David Joyce said it will take some time to assess the extent of the damage.
“We estimate it has probably been five to ten years since we have last seen this level of tidal flooding,” he said.
“It is quite an extreme event we have experienced this morning. There is potentially a significant amount of property damage.
“While many properties did put out sandbags and put up their flood protection, until they come in later this morning and later today and actually assess damage, we won’t know exactly what the extent of the damage might be.”
Water is pouring down Oliver Plunkett St at 8.48am this morn.
Your heart goes out to city’s traders so pls folks, when we get the place cleaned up #shoplocal like never before @LEOCorkCity @CBA_cork @CorkChamber #COVID19ireland pic.twitter.com/a94vxhYg4j
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 20, 2020
The worst of the flooding appears to be at the South Mall, Oliver Plunkett St, Princes St and parts of Patrick St.
A Status Yellow rainfall warning will remain in place for the entire country until 3pm this afternoon.
Met Éireann has warned that up to 50mm of rainfall is expected with heavier volumes I mountainous areas.
Staff from @corkcitycouncil trying to encourage drivers to stay at the centre of the road. Please delay journeys into Cork until high tide has passed! pic.twitter.com/8tC5NQ5YSJ
— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) October 20, 2020
Motorists were advised not to leave their cars in Cork city centre last night and a number of parked cars have been badly damaged by the rising waters.
Many streets were under up to one metre of water when the tide came in.
Bantry, Kinsale and Youghal were also badly hit by the rising waters.
