Flash Flooding Evacuates Tourists from Marble Arch Caves

URGENT UPDATE: Dramatic flash flooding forced the evacuation of tourists from the Marble Arch Caves in Co. Fermanagh on Sunday afternoon as severe weather hit the region. Visitors Kim and Alistair Hay, a couple from Co. Donegal, sought shelter from rain only to find themselves caught in a life-threatening situation.

With a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning in effect, the Hays decided to explore the limestone caves to escape the rain. Kim expressed her initial excitement, stating, “When we saw that the showers were headed in that direction, I thought, ‘Where better to go to get out of the rain than a cave tour?’ Little did I know we wouldn’t come out of there dry.”

Just minutes into their tour, the group of around 17 people was informed of torrential rainfall above ground. As the situation escalated, the power went out, but quick-thinking guides ensured safety by directing visitors towards the exit stairwell. Videos captured by the couple show rainwater cascading down the steps into the cave system.

Kim recounted, “We all knew we were going to get wet, but getting a bit of water on us wasn’t going to kill us.” Thanks to the calm demeanor and preparedness of the guides, the group remained composed throughout the ordeal. “The team was amazing; I don’t think at any point we feared for our lives,” Kim added.

The intense rainfall resulted in record-breaking conditions, with parts of the North experiencing over 85% of the average July rainfall in just 24 hours. Following a night of heavy downpours, local authorities issued multiple weather alerts, leading to localized flooding across many areas.

Forecasters predict that some regions could receive half a month’s worth of rain within a single day. Met Éireann has advised the public to expect scattered showers, with more persistent rain moving in from the west throughout the morning and early afternoon.

As the weather conditions continue to develop, motorists are urged to exercise extra caution due to poor road conditions. This situation highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the summer months when such storms can occur without warning.

Stay tuned for further updates on the weather situation and safety measures being implemented in affected areas.