Dublin: The Meteorological Service has issued a series of severe weather alerts as Ireland braces for heavy rainfall this weekend. An Orange Rain Warning is now in effect for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, where the heaviest downpours are expected. Met Éireann has cautioned that hazardous travel conditions and widespread flooding are likely.
The orange warning remains in force from 2 p.m. today until 11 a.m. on Saturday. According to forecasters, rainfall will be most intense today, with persistent showers moving in from the south and east. Eastern coastal counties—particularly Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford—are expected to experience the most severe conditions. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for higher ground, increasing the risk of significant surface flooding.
A Yellow Rain Warning has been issued for large parts of Munster and eastern Leinster, where conditions will also be unsettled. Although strong winds are expected, Met Éireann noted that they are not anticipated to reach damaging levels. However, they may exacerbate already hazardous conditions.
Yellow Wind Alert
A Yellow Wind Alert is in place for Dublin, Louth, Wexford and Wicklow from 12 p.m. today until 4 a.m. on Saturday, with warnings of strong north-easterly winds.
In addition, two separate Yellow Rain Warnings have been issued for 13 counties:
- Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford: 9 a.m. today to 9 a.m. Saturday
- Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow: 11 a.m. today to 11 a.m. Saturday
Emergency Services on Alert
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened yesterday evening to review the incoming weather system. In its statement, the NDFEM warned that flooding is likely across many areas, especially in south and east Leinster and throughout Munster.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) in Wicklow advised farmers to move livestock away from riverbanks due to rising water levels. Authorities also issued warnings regarding continued flooding risks along the Avonmore River in west Wicklow and the Slaney River in Wexford.
David Martin, Senior Public Relations Manager at the Road Safety Authority (RSA), urged motorists to exercise extreme caution. The RSA advised road users in the east and south to expect difficult driving conditions and to adjust their speed accordingly.
Fingal County Council confirmed that emergency preparations are in place to respond rapidly to any weather-related disruptions.
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