Storm Chandra: Worst not over as flooding hits North East
By ArdeePost Reporter
Met Éireann Warns Storm Chandra Is Not Yet Over
The worst of Storm Chandra has yet to pass, according to Met Éireann, as severe flooding, travel disruption and storm damage continue to impact large parts of the North East.
The storm is currently tracking northwards over Ireland, bringing further heavy rain and strong, gusty winds to already saturated ground, increasing the risk of additional flooding in the hours and days ahead.
Major Flooding in Ardee and Cherrybrook Area
In Ardee, the fire service has implemented a stop-go traffic system on the Drogheda Road following severe flooding caused by a stream overflowing at Cherrybrook. The flooding has resulted in significant damage to private homes and local businesses, with water levels rising rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.
Emergency services remain on site monitoring conditions, while motorists are urged to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.
Roads Impassable Across Louth
Widespread flooding has been reported throughout County Louth, with multiple roads rendered impassable and significant disruption to traffic.
Severe flooding has been reported on the M1 just south of Junction 20, causing delays and hazardous driving conditions. Council workers and emergency services are responding to numerous incidents where roads have been closed due to rising water levels.
In north Louth, flooding has been reported:
- On the Armagh Road
- At Major’s Hollow
- At Deerpark in Ravensdale, where the River Flurry has burst its banks
- On the road from Jenkinstown Cross to the R173, now impassable
Omeath and Coastal Areas Hit Hard
Several roads in the Omeath area are also affected, with reports of a car becoming stuck on the Corrakit to Omeath Road, which remains impassable due to flooding.
Met Éireann has warned that coastal areas will experience strong gales, and members of the public are advised to stay away from exposed coastal locations until Storm Chandra has fully cleared.
Transport Disruption and Event Cancellations
Train services between Connolly Station and Belfast have been disrupted, impacting passengers travelling from Dundalk and surrounding areas. A number of social and community events across the county have also been cancelled as conditions deteriorated.
Storm Damage Across the Region
Strong winds have caused damage at several locations, including Blackrock Community Centre, where part of the roof was damaged, forcing the closure of half of the car park for safety reasons.
Trees have fallen in multiple areas, including the Mills of Louth, while significant flooding has been reported near Glyde Court in Tallanstown.
In neighbouring County Monaghan, the local authority confirmed that flooding has led to the partial collapse of several local roads, resulting in closures and diversions.
Council Crews and Emergency Services Respond
Local authority crews have been working since early morning to clear fallen trees, remove debris and assess damage on affected routes. Louth County Council has said driving conditions remain challenging and has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Met Éireann: “We Are Still Not Over the Worst of It”
Met Éireann forecaster Linda Hughes said heavy, thundery showers and longer spells of rain will continue, warning that saturated ground means further flooding is likely.
“The ground is saturated, there is nowhere for the rain to go,” she said. “Any further rainfall on top of what we had could cause some further issues.”
Ms Hughes added that while some overnight rain has cleared, further heavy showers are expected, and rivers in affected areas are still rising.
“Storm Chandra has not cleared. It is still over Ireland and will move up along the west later today,” she said. “There will still be very strong winds, particularly around the coasts, with gales in places.”
She warned that flooding risks will remain elevated into Wednesday, Thursday and beyond, especially in areas with slow-responding rivers.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Members of the public are being urged to avoid flooded roads, heed local authority warnings and stay away from coastal areas until Storm Chandra has fully passed. Emergency services continue to monitor conditions as the storm continues to track northwards across the country.
