High tide has now passed.
Cork City Council has said that crews are deployed across the city and will reopen affected roads within the next 30 minutes.
They have advised motorists to drive with caution throughout the morning.
Flood waters in Cork city centre at high tide.
Cork City Council has confirmed that Wandesford Quay is now closed.
Both Lavitt’s Quay and South Terrace are down to one lane.
The 11.10am Aer Lingus London Heathrow to Cork Airport flight has been cancelled.
The 11.55am Aer Lingus Cork to London Heathrow flight has been cancelled.
The 5.20pm Aer Lingus Bristol to Cork, and the 5.50pm Cork to Bristol lights have also been cancelled.
Passengers have been advised to contact the airline.
Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be “very, very careful”.
He told RTÉ’s : “It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.”
He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide this morning.
Meanwhile, warnings in Irish waters have also been upgraded with a status orange storm warning for all coasts and on the Irish sea applying until midnight.
In addition, two red marine warnings are in place between 8am and 3pm, combined with a similar advisory between midday and 8pm from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head.
Keith Leonard, national director for Fire and Emergency Management, told RTÉ radio he expects a “significant impact” on power, particularly across south-western coastal areas.
There are a small number of homes and businesses without power in the Fermoy area.
According to the ESB’s powercheck.ie, there is a fault at Castlelyons.
71 customers are affected. However, power is due to be restored shortly.
The entire country is now under a status orange wind warning.
Met Éireann are warning that Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force southerly winds with severe gusts.
Some of the impacts may include: flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide; wave overtopping; difficult travel conditions; debris, loose objects displaced; outdoor events impacted; and power outages.
People across Cork are advised to use caution when travelling today as Storm Bram brings “multi-hazard” implications, including flooding, fallen trees, displaced electricity lines, and loose debris.
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management convened a meeting of all local authorities, including Cork city and county councils, Government departments, State agencies, and utility providers yesterday to plan and prepare for Storm Bram.
A status orange wind warning, upgraded from status yellow by Met Éireann yesterday, is in place until 3pm, to be followed by a status yellow wind warning for all of Ireland, which will be in place until 9pm.
The storm, a “multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption”, is expected to see several areas across Cork city and county impacted by increased rainfall and strong winds.
As a result of the storm, alongside high tide at 8.30am this morning, Cork City Council is warning that 14 low-lying areas across the city centre may be impacted by flooding, including Morrison’s Quay, Father Mathew Quay, Father Mathew St, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill St, Lavitt’s Quay, Kyrl’s St, Kyrl’s Quay, Crosses’ Green, Sharman Crawford St, and Wandesford Quay.
Cork City Council is advising the public not to travel unless necessary, to take care when travelling, and to ensure any loose outdoor items are secured.
A number of road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary during the period of the high tides across Wandesford Quay, Lavitt’s Quay, and South Terrace.
Diversions will be put in place to ensure traffic can circulate, and any restrictions will be eased when possible.
Cork County Council, meanwhile, said crews were monitoring known hotspots for flooding yesterday, with pumps deployed, and sandbags available in a number of locations.
Issues such as fallen trees, flooding, and road damage can be reported to Cork County Council’s emergency number on 021 4800048.Both Cork city and county councils have said their severe weather assessment teams and flood assessment teams will continue to monitor the situation as the day progresses.
Cork City Council’s customer service unit will operate from 9am, and can be contacted at 021 4924000.
However, all emergency situations should be reported directly to emergency services on 999 or 112.
