The freak thunderstorm that lashed Kerry on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, involved rainfall levels greater than a 100-year event or, perhaps, double that or more, a meeting of Kerry County Council was told this Monday.
Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, said the yellow alert warning was issued at 1.30pm and lightning and heavy showers were observed across the county throughout the afternoon.
“Heavy downpours occurred in the afternoon with Tralee the worst affected. Reports would indicate the rainfall levels were greater than a 100-year event,” she said.
Ms Murrell added that it was more like a 250-year to 500-year event and within a half an hour of the warning being received the heavens opened.
“Due to this unprecedented level of rainfall, a number of properties were flooded in the town with some roads impassable during the event. University Hospital Kerry was also impacted by the heavy rain and had to close a number of areas in the hospital,” Ms Murrell confirmed.
Tralee Municipal District crews were dispatched to offer assistance to the hospital and areas affected by flooding together with attendance from the fire department and Civil Defence.
Ms Murrell thanked the crews involved for their very prompt response to the problem.
Cllr Jim Finiucane told the meeting that Minister Patrick O’Donovan was aware of the problems encountered and is available to meet with councillors and officials to discuss the matter as soon as an initial assessment is carried out.
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