Storm Bert is poised to impact Ireland significantly, with Met Éireann issuing a Status Red warning for Galway and Cork. The storm is expected to unleash torrential rain and winds reaching up to 110 km/h, raising concerns about severe flooding in the affected areas.
Forecasts indicate that rainfall could accumulate to 80 mm within a few hours, a substantial portion of the average December rainfall of 123 mm. The warning is in effect from midnight until 10 am today, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
In addition to the red warning, a Status Orange alert has been issued for several counties, including Waterford and Kerry, while Donegal faces a Status Yellow warning for snow and ice.
Concerns mount as the storm may exacerbate flooding due to melting snow from earlier Arctic conditions. Communities in flood-prone areas like Midleton and Bantry are particularly at risk, lacking flood defense measures.
As the storm approaches, public transport services have been suspended, and emergency response teams are on standby to address the potential fallout from the severe weather conditions. Met Éireann officials have cautioned that the storm's complexity could lead to rapid changes in weather patterns, necessitating ongoing vigilance from the public.