The water levels in the countries key river systems are no higher overnight according to the Office of Public Works (OPW) water monitoring system.
While the levels are stable at the moment, the OPW system does show a marked increase in river levels since mid-January. At yesterday’s meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group high river levels were identified as a key concern, as the threat form tidal flooding reduces.
According to OPW at yesterday’s meeting the Shannon is always on their radar when it comes to flooding. Latest reading from sensors at 8.45am this morning on the Shannon show that levels have remained stable overnight. However high readings are being seen in Athlone at 5.15m and Shannonbridge at 4.87m.
In Clonmel, which has been the subject of extensive flooding over the years, water levels of the River Suir at 8.45am this morning was 3.47m. This has risen from a figure of 2.56m on Sunday last.
In Kilkenny levels on the River Nore have increased significantly in the past two weeks. As of this morning at 8.45am the level at St John’s Bridge in Kilkenny was 1.21m.
The OPW note that practically all rivers are at an exceptionally high level at the moment, on the back of heavy rainfall over the past two months.
The organisation says it’s closely monitoring all the main river systems and is in constant communication with local authorities on the frontline.
Gerry Fleming of Met Eireann noted: “What we see in the weather of the next few days is very little change. One weather system after another will bring more and more rain. We do foresee that the river levels will continue to rise and river flooding will become more of a problem.”
Sean Hogan Chairman of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group appealed to people to continue to heed the safety warnings and monitor the local situation. He asked people living near rivers to keep safe during this period of weather which is expected to continue to be poor in the period ahead.