Headline: Caution Urged as Kerry Faces Rising Flood Risks from Storm Bert
Storm Bert has brought significant rainfall and flooding to County Kerry, resulting in hazardous road conditions. Kerry County Council is advising motorists to proceed with caution, observe road signs, and be vigilant for surface water and debris on the roads as a status yellow rain and wind warning remains active until midday.
Flooding Reports and Current Conditions
Although a status orange rain warning for Kerry has been lifted, many roads across the county remain impassable due to flooding. Particularly affected areas include:
- N22 at Glenflesk
- Fossa Village
- Glenbeigh
- N71 Bantry Road near Kenmare
- Killarney
Additionally, the L-4055 at Sheen Falls is completely flooded, while the L-1023 road in Duagh is reporting heavy surface water. Residents near R555, close to Fr Caseys GAA Club in Abbeyfeale, should exercise extreme caution due to localized flooding as well.
Concerns continue to rise around the condition of the R576 at Feale Oil between Brosna and N21, which is reported as being completely submerged. Heavy surface water is also an ongoing issue on the L2024 Camp Road in Castleisland. Areas such as Forge Cross and the Rose Hotel in Tralee are experiencing flooding, along with reports of overbank flooding between Abbeydorney and Listowel. Notably, the River Feale in Listowel has reached levels not seen in over two decades.
The communities of Abbeyfeale and Athea have also reported issues with burst riverbanks contributing to the flooding challenges residents face.
Expert Insights: Weather’s Impact on Kerry
Cathal Nolan, founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, warns residents that the rain is not finished yet, indicating that further precipitation may aggravate already precarious flood conditions. With this backdrop, Kerry County Council continues to prioritize public safety.
"The situation is fluid, and we appeal to motorists and residents to stay informed through local updates and to report any issues via our emergency hotline at 066 718 3588,” Nolan said. His insights underline the urgency for community members to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing hazardous weather conditions.
Tips for Motorists
For residents driving through Kerry during this extreme weather, here are several safety tips:
- Exercise Caution: Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
- Avoid Flooded Areas: If you approach a road that appears to be covered in water, find an alternate route.
- Check Conditions: Stay informed via local news and the Kerry County Council’s updates.
- Safety Equipment: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Community Response and Initiatives
Kerry County Council is actively monitoring the situation, and local officials have been deployed to assess and manage flooding. Local community groups and volunteers are urged to collaborate with authorities to mitigate any flooding impacts. Residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors, particularly elderly persons or those living alone, to ensure their wellbeing during this challenging time.
Stay Informed
In this evolving situation, it’s vital for the community to stay connected and informed about ongoing weather conditions and emergency updates. Residents are encouraged to utilize resources from the following authoritative sources for more information:
- Met Éireann for weather updates.
- Kerry County Council for road and emergency updates.
We invite readers to share their experiences about how Storm Bert has affected them or read others’ accounts by engaging in the comments section below. It’s crucial for the Kerry community to come together and support one another during these trying times.
Stay safe and informed, and remember that your safety is paramount. If you are affected by flooding or see issues on the roads, do not hesitate to reach out to the emergency hotline provided by Kerry County Council. Your contribution can help ensure a coordinated response to these weather challenges.
