Council crews responding to flooding reports across Kerry due to Storm Bert

Headline: Storm Bert Causes Flooding Across Kerry: Motorists Urged to Caution

Storm Bert Disrupts Kerry: Motorists Face Flooding and Debris

Kerry County Council has issued a warning for motorists following the impact of Storm Bert, which has resulted in hazardous driving conditions across the region. While the status orange rain warning has been lifted, a yellow rain and wind warning remains in effect until midday, prompting council officials to advise drivers to exercise extreme caution, adhere to road signage, and brace for surface water and fallen debris.

Current Conditions and Flooding Reports

The heavy rainfall associated with Storm Bert has caused significant flooding and disruptions across Kerry, making several roads impassable. Among the most affected areas are:

• N22 at Glenflesk: Reports indicate flooding has rendered this route impassable.
• Fossa Village and Glenbeigh: Motorists are encountering challenges due to standing water.
• N71 Bantry Road: Flooding reported just outside Kenmare, complicating travel for motorists.
• Killarney: Multiple reports of high water levels have emerged.

Additionally, local roads such as the L-4055 at Sheen Falls and L-1023 in Duagh are both facing significant issues due to flooding and heavy surface water. The R555 near Fr Caseys GAA Club in Abbeyfeale is also experiencing adverse conditions.

The council further noted widespread flooding on the R576 at Feale Oil between Brosna and N21, and heavy surface water has been reported on L2024 Camp Rd in Castleisland. Further concerns have arisen around Forge Cross and the Rose Hotel in Tralee, with additional flooding reported between Abbeydorney and Listowel. Notably, the River Feale in Listowel has surpassed its highest levels in the past 20 years, posing significant risks to the surrounding communities.

Advice for Residents and Road Users

Cathal Nolan, the founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, emphasized that the situation is not yet resolved. "Rainfall is expected to continue, and residents should remain vigilant," he stated, underscoring the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Kerry County Council has actively urged residents and visitors to report any road issues or hazardous conditions to their emergency hotline at 066 718 3588. They are committed to addressing the flooding concerns as quickly as possible and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Community Impact and Precautionary Measures

The impact of Storm Bert has raised concerns within the community regarding road safety and potential property damage. Local businesses, especially those reliant on transport and access, are likely to feel the adverse effects of disrupted traffic flow.

Residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures, including:

• Avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
• Monitoring local news and weather updates.
• Keeping emergency supplies on hand.

Recommendations and Resources

For travelers planning to navigate Kerry’s roads, the council suggests using alternate routes wherever possible and paying close attention to local advisories. Putting safety first is crucial during such inclement weather.

For ongoing updates, residents can refer to these resources:

• Kerry County Council for real-time alerts and road status updates.
• Met Éireann for detailed weather forecasts and warnings.

Share Your Experiences

As the community grapples with the implications of Storm Bert, we invite readers to share their travel experiences or concerns regarding road conditions in the comments section below. Your insights can help keep others informed and safe during this severe weather event.

Stay safe, stay informed, and remember to help one another in times of need as Kerry continues to weather this storm.