Tuesday dawns dark and dank across Carlow and Kilkenny as Storm Chandra makes her presence felt.
Both counties are under status yellow wind and rain warnings until 11pm tonight and you’re advised to watch out for fallen trees and loose debris with hazardous travel conditions in parts. (Road and utility updates below).
There were dramatic scenes in Graignamanagh last evening as we discussed on air and online. Here’s the update from there this morning.
Rivers across #Kilkenny and #Carlow are under a bit of pressure this morning and there’s quite a bit of surface water on local roads. Take care. pic.twitter.com/BbRl0BoIQK
— Edwina Grace/Éadaoin de Grás (@edwinagrace) January 27, 2026
Carmel from Team @kclr96fm was in #Leighlinbridge #Carlow earlier pic.twitter.com/VJc5p7f5Va
— Edwina Grace/Éadaoin de Grás (@edwinagrace) January 27, 2026
Most local river levels are high, many bursting their banks and for some the worst is yet to come. (Keep an eye on those here).
Flood defences are holding firm in #Tullow County #Carlow we’re told @kclr96fm amid #StormChandra pic.twitter.com/GywtOcDVCf
— Edwina Grace/Éadaoin de Grás (@edwinagrace) January 27, 2026
Met Éireann’s forecasting a continuation of the current conditions for the rest of today as Storm Chandra tracks northwards, this morning’s heavy rain will
gradually clear with heavy or prolonged showers following while you can also expect fresh to strong gusty east to south-east winds in temperatures of between seven and nine degrees.
While Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly has more;
Roads Updates
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The N81 Road in Rathvilly is closed due to flood waters from the Slaney.
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The Leighlin Road L-3920 is currently flooded and impassable at Lanigan’s Lock (Crossneen Road), while in County Laois, we are working to safeguard this road with our colleagues and ask the public not to pass or remove the road closed signage.
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Quinnagh Road closed due to flooding.
- Carlow Town Park is closed from this evening.
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Skrannahane, Ballinkillen road closed due to flooding.
- Carpark in Tinnahinch is closed due to flooding.
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Ballinrush Road near Myshall closed due to damage caused by flowing water.
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The Kings River in Callan has burst its banks – Bridge Street and the KCAT car park are closed till further notice
- Water on N25 Glenmore to new Ross flooding outside gala filling station
- Flooding on R723 at Shanbogh, Kilkenny, close to New Ross
- Road from Myshall to garryhill blocked also road from Ballinrush to shangarry also flooded
- Tinvacoose on the Slieverue/Kilmacow border is completely flooded this morning
- Tree down on Ballyhale side of Knockmoylan, – caution needed as some cars are moving to the opposite side of the road
- Tree down covering across the road halfway between Ballyhale and Mullinavat (7:50am)
- Road is in a bad way from Fighting Cocks and Ballon.
- Road flooded around Pa Dillions, far side of Freshford drive with care
- Some bad flooding between Stoneyford and the trout farm on the way to Thomastown and on the main road to Thomastown before and under the railway bridge. Care needed.
- Car in the ditch just past Stradbally on the way to Portlaoise, hazard lights are on but it’s on a bad bend (7:36am)
- Lot of flooding between Inistioge and Brownsbarn, passable with extreme care, but the Bridge at Brownsbarn is flooded. Flooding also between Brownsbarn and Thomastown, on one half of the road with a bend there too.
- Flooding close to the Longman of Kilfane on route to Dungarvan, Kilkenny
- Flooding on road close to Gowran Park racecourse – looks very deep
- road from Thomastown to Bennettsbridge abut 2km out is flooded, didn’t see it as cars coming against me and hit it passable but dangerous
- Back road into Carlow town at Mortarstown/Quinagh is impassable due to flooding and a car has already been abandoned (7am)
- Garry hill road from ballinaree Cross is severely flooded car stuck in the middle of it
- bad floods on the road from Ballymurphy to Borris
Utility Updates
Businesses / Services / Events Impacted
- McAliskey School of Irish Dancing in Callan has postponed this evening’s class (Tuesday, 27th Jan)
- Wexford Bus Route 376 Wexford to Carlow suspended as Bunclody is not passable
- The Waterside in Graignamanagh is closed today (Tuesday, 27th Jan)
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Due to saturated grounds, Kilkenny Castle Park is closed today (Tuesday 27th January), until further notice. Safety checks will take place throughout the day to assess the site. Kilkenny Castle Park will be reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Carlow town park is best avoided too – it will be closed from this evening;
Best to avoid #Carlow Town Park today. Unless you’re a swan! pic.twitter.com/243Avazyw8
— Edwina Grace/Éadaoin de Grás (@edwinagrace) January 27, 2026
- Carpark in Tinnahinch closed due to flooding.
- For safety reasons the Kilmacow Sports Complex is closed to the public until the river level drops
- Graiguecullen Parish Bingo, which was due to take place tonight has been cancelled due to the adverse weather
- A Carlow Flower Club flower arranging demo which was due to be held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel this evening and been rescheduled to Thursday evening at 8pm at the same venue
Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils
Teams from both local authorities are monitoring the situation.
Kilkenny County Council at 8am tell us; “There are many areas with surface water flooding in the Thomastown area in particular. Our Crew’s are clearing water at Graiguenamanagh and a fallen tee on the Graiguenamanagh to inistioge road. Motorists are advised to take extreme care on all roads. Rain is forecast to ease for the next few hours and water levels are falling at present so situation should improve. Further rain is forecast in the afternoon.
Main message is expect the unexpected, water could be lying in places not usually subject to flooding. Do not enter flood waters where you are not familiar with the road. Follow kcc and KCLR for updates.”
Crews in Carlow have had a busy morning (more here).
While Water Safety Ireland has issued the following;
“Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to stay away from waterways during Storm Chandra due to the risk of significant flooding, high tides and river flooding particularly along the East coast. Please remember: staying away from waterways is the safest option for you and your loved ones during this storm.
Most accidental drownings in Ireland (over 60%) happen when a person falls into water unexpectedly. High winds can push you into water and the resulting cold shock can cause an immediate loss of control over breathing, which can be fatal.
While this weather primarily effects coastal counties the warning applies equally inland, where 12,000 loughs and a network of rivers and canals may be hazardous. However, no one needs to be at risk if they follow one simple rule: to stay S.A.F.E. is to Stay Away From Edges.
Key Dangers to Be Aware Of During Storm Chandra:
- Coastlines: High winds increase the risk of wave overtopping, which can easily sweep people off their feet and into the water.
- Rivers: Stronger currents will run faster than usual, posing a serious threat to anyone falling in accidentally.
- Lakes: Floodwaters can conceal the edges of lakes, creating hidden hazards.
Important Safety Advice:
• Avoid Open Water Swimming: Even if you are a seasoned open-water swimmer, do not swim during this storm. The conditions are extremely dangerous.
• Beware of Coastal Flooding: Floodwaters can expose manhole covers and drains, creating additional hazards.
By following the S.A.F.E. rule and staying away from edges, you can ensure your safety and that of your family. Remember, no view or experience is worth risking your life. Stay Safe – Stay Home.
