Ireland could be the next to witness severe flooding as Storm Frank looms

Large parts of Ireland are braced for another winter battering amid fears Storm Frank will trigger fresh flooding and inflict further storm damage.

Severe flooding has brought much of the city of York and other parts of the UK to a standstill as soldiers and rescue teams helped evacuate families from their homes.

Meanwhile, just weeks after Storm Desmond caused serious flooding in many areas of the island, home, business and land owners are again on high alert of rising water levels.

Gales and downpours are forecast to sweep back in from this evening, with Cumbria and southern and central Scotland most at risk of more disruption.

But for Ireland, particular concern is again focused on low grounds around the River Shannon.

As it did in the wake of Storm Desmond, Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has increased the flow of water through the Parteen Weir to cope with the rising level of Lough Derg.

ESB warned the move would increase the risk of flooding south of the weir around Limerick.

It also warned that in the coming days the Parteen Weir flow may have to be increased to the rate reached during the severe flooding of 2009.

Limerick City and County Council said its staff remained on alert to ensure emergency responses could be immediately activated in the event of flooding.

Members of the multi-agency National Coordination Group have met in Dublin to discuss and plan responses to the severe weather.

Met Eireann has issued an orange wind warning for the second half of Tuesday for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry.

The forecaster said southerly winds, with gusts as strong as 120kmh, would hit coastal areas.