Published: Wednesday, 9th December, 2009 6:00pm

Athlone rainfall: A once in 163-year event

by Danielle Harney

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People affected by the flooding may not need the proof, but now records show that November really was the wettest month in Athlone for over a century and a half.

According to data from Met Éireann, a total of 210.6 millimetres of rain fell in Athlone during the first 25 days of November, an occurrence that only happens once every 163 years in terms of probability. This was equal to an increase of 253% compared to a normal month. In comparison, the average monthly rainfall per annum is between 66.67mm and 83.33mm in the Midlands.

But it wasn't just freak heavy rainfall battering the area. According to the detailed monthly weather summary by state forecaster, a tornado was observed in Ballymahon on November 12.

Met Éireann collected data from its synoptic and rainfall stations around the country including one in Athlone because of the unprecedented levels of rainfall within the first few weeks of the month. This data formed the Update on Rainfall report which was released on November 27. The data showed that there were particularly heavy rainfalls between November 15 and 20.

Some stations even exceeded their normal monthly average within this five day period.

Nationally, rainfall totals were the highest on record at most stations, with rain or showers occurring almost every day.

The worst day was November 19, when 50mm of rain fell in some areas.