Ireland Red Warning Alert Raised As Storm Babet Floods Roads, Homes

Residences and roads have been flooded in some areas of Ireland due to Tropical Storm Babet. Due to the bad weather, red warning alert has been raised to ensure the safety of residents.

The MET Office has issued a red warning alert as Storm Babet is expected to bring exceptional rainfalls and powerful winds for some.

Officials said that the red warning for rain covers parts of the east of Scotland, including Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir. It's in force from 1800 on Thursday through to midday on Friday.

Warning Alerts For Increased Rainfall

According to MET Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly, the "confidence has increased in the chances of considerable impacts from rainfall in parts of the east of Scotland from Storm Babet, which has resulted in the escalation to the red warning."

Kelly noted that 100-150mm of rain is expected to fall quite widely within the warning period, with some locations likely to see 200-250mm, which is expected to cause considerable impacts with flooding likely.

Meteorologists said that the effects cited due to the red warning alerts were considered as danger to life and these were caused by floods, extensive waters to homes and businesses, as well as the severely disrupted travel conditions.

Officials said that this was the first red warning for rain issued in the United Kingdom since Storm Dennis hit in February 2020.

Further, authorities said a wider Amber warning for rain is also in force from early Thursday to late on Friday for eastern and central parts of Scotland. They noted that within this area, 70-100mm of rain is likely quite widely, with some upland areas possibly seeing 150-200mm of rain throughout the period.

On the other hand, powerful winds from an easterly direction have also resulted in an Amber wind warning being issued for eastern parts of Scotland.

Gusts in excess of 70mph are likely on Thursday, with particularly poor conditions on immediate coastlines.

Cork City

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Frank O'Flynn expressed concern over the effects of the bad weather in the area.

"I am especially conscious of the advanced preparations that were undertaken by Cork County Council in mitigating the effects of this event and how, despite every effort, homes, businesses and road users have been impacted. Areas where flood defence schemes have been completed fared far better than others in the face of this deluge," O'Flynn said.

The official also called on his constituents to stay cautious amid the storm.

"I am calling on the people of Cork to please avoid unnecessary travel, take extreme care if you must set off on a journey and please think of vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists," O'Flynn said.

The floods that hit Ireland has caused damage and disruption in some parts of the country, with personnel from the Defence Forces deployed to a town in the south of the country.

Roads and several properties have been swamped in certain areas, with Cork City and surrounding county among the places worst affected.

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