21 October 2026
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork County Council is advising the public to exercise caution as severe weather associated with Storm Austen is expected to impact County Cork from Thursday night into Friday morning.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Rain Warning for Cork, with intense rainfall expected to bring flooding, very difficult travelling conditions and disruption to public transport services. The warning is valid from 10:00pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026 until 5:00am on Friday, 23 October 2026.
A Status Yellow Rain and Wind Warning has also been issued nationwide from 7:00pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026 until 10:00am on Friday, 23 October 2026. Heavy rain and strengthening winds may result in difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding, disruption to outdoor activities, debris on roads, and fallen trees and branches.
Earlier today, Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met to review the latest weather forecasts, assess potential impacts, and coordinate preparedness measures across Council services. The Council’s operational teams are on standby and will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the warning period.
Cork County Council is urging road users to take extra care during the warning period and following the event as driving conditions may be hazardous due to surface water, strong winds and the possibility of fallen trees or other debris on roadways.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND ADVICE
There is the potential for flooding in southern areas.
Wind speeds will be high in the south. Trees remain in full leaf at this time of year, making them more vulnerable to strong winds.
Secure any loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and temporary structures before Thursday evening.
Motorists should be alert for fallen trees, debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during Thursday night and Friday’s morning commute.
There is the potential for heavy rainfall, particularly in southern counties. Localised flooding is possible, so never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
While river levels currently have some capacity and tides are relatively low, people should not become complacent. Conditions can change quickly during severe weather.
Allow extra time for essential travel.
Issues such as flooding, fallen trees and road damage should be reported to Cork County Council’s Emergency Out of Hours Service on (021) 480 0048.
In the event of a disruption to electricity supply, customers should contact ESB Networks on 1850 372 999. Fallen or damaged electricity wires should never be approached and should be reported immediately, with as much location information as possible provided to assist response crews.
Customers experiencing disruption to water services should contact Uisce Éireann on 1850 278 278.
The latest weather warnings and forecasts are available from Met Éireann at www.met.ie