02/02/2009

Ireland Set For Big Freeze After Downpours

While England is being crippled by severe overnight snow falls, the Irish Republic has been battling with the impact of flooding yesterday - and it looks like there's heavy snow and frost to follow.

The Tipperary towns of Clonmel and Nenagh were worst hit as water levels in both towns rose dramatically after two days of heavy rain.

Rivers bursting their banks, making all five bridges in Clonmel impassable.

Dozens of houses were flooded yesterday afternoon and at least three homes had to be evacuated as the River Suir flow peaked following days of heavy rain combined with spring tides and south-easterly winds.

The Army, Civil Defence, Garda, local council and HSE were all involved in an emergency response to the flooding yesterday and on Friday.

Over 2,000 sandbags were distributed to homes and businesses while two civil defence boats were on standby to move people, if necessary, along with an army vehicle.

Gardaí urged motorists - particularly HGV drivers - to avoid Clonmel as several roads were blocked and diversions put in place.

The Civil Defence has been manning a 24-hour helpline (052-25888) for concerned householders and businesspeople.

Some parts of Co Waterford were also hit by flooding of the Blackwater with diversions put in place on the N72 between Cappoquin and Lismore and on the Ballyduff/Fermoy road, at The Forge.

Very wintry conditions have now also forced police to advise motorists to exercise extreme caution around the Naas area.

They said that ice and snow are making driving conditions extremely hazardous.

A general warning is also given to motorists in the wider Carlow and Kildare areas. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous and conditions are expected to deteriorate.

Motorists are asked to slow down and only make their journeys if absolutely necessary in the areas affected.

Met Éireann has since issued a severe weather warning with snowfalls of up to 8cm forecast today.

Road surfaces are now also very treacherous in many other parts of the midlands and east while Aer Lingus has cancelled a number of flights from Dublin, Belfast and Cork to Heathrow Airport.

Two Ryanair flights from Shannon to Stansted as well as flights from Belfast City Airport have also been cancelled because of the weather in England.

See: Heavy Snow Causes Chaos Across Britain

(BMcC/JM)

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