Storm Agnes: Rain and wind warnings with potential flooding throughout the city

Storm Agnes hit the country last week with Met Éireann issuing yellow rain and wind warnings for Leinster.

The brunt of the storm’s impact arrived on Wednesday, September 27, with forecasts of rain in excess of 20mm. Met Éireann said the storm had potential impacts of power outages, difficult travel conditions, fallen trees and localised flooding.  

Dublin City Council’s (DCC) Flood Assessment Group met on Tuesday morning after the yellow wind and rain warnings had been issued.

They said they would be deploying DCC crews to attend areas prone to flooding during the rainfall event such as the Bow Bridge area and Parkgate Street, where they stay after normal working hours. 

Met Éireann issued a higher-level orange wind warning for the south of the country, saying there would be “very strong and gusty southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts.“

While Dublin remained with a yellow wind warning, the DCC said they would also be focusing on coastal protection in the event that harsh gales travel north – up the coastline. 

This year has been no stranger to flooding events with August’s Storm Antoni causing devastating flash floods in Clontarf, resulting in several houses at the Castle Court estate being evacuated.  

Firefighters from North Strand and Phibsborough fire stations are on scene at flooding in #Clontarf

8️⃣ Eight residents have been evacuated by water rescue trained firefighters

We're also working with @DubCityCouncil and @ESBNetworks at a flooded basement in an apartment block pic.twitter.com/dkGIKRam1x

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 5, 2023

June also saw floods hit the D12 and D08 area in an unexpected intense rainfall event – with pathways submerged and several manholes bursting.

An event such as this was not predicted for the duration of Storm Agnes, however, the DCC carried out extensive sewer cleaning, specifically for the Drimnagh area, in order to reduce risk in susceptible locations.