Flooding Risk Across Ireland as Orange and Yellow Rain Warnings Come Into Effect
Ireland is bracing for further disruption as Status Orange rain warnings are in effect for Wicklow and Waterford, and Yellow alerts cover nine other counties. The warnings, issued by Met Éireann, began at 3:00 AM this morning, , and are expected to last for 24 hours.
The counties under Yellow alert are Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Monaghan, and Tipperary. Met Éireann warns that heavy rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, will likely cause localized and river flooding, as well as difficult travel conditions.
Southeast at Highest Risk
Motorists in the southeast are being specifically warned against driving through floodwater, which Wexford County Council describes as “dangerous and unpredictable.” The council cautioned that even shallow water can conceal strong currents, debris, and open drains, and that roads are already flooded in unexpected locations.
Wexford County Council has proactively installed aqua dams along exposed sections of the quay in Wexford town in anticipation of high tide around 9:00 AM today. The council explained that much of the current flooding is due to runoff from land, exacerbated by drainage systems operating at full capacity. High coastal levels are also reducing the capacity for river discharge, increasing flood risk in low-lying areas, particularly at high tide.
Further coastal flooding is possible due to high spring tides, strong winds, and storm surge throughout the week, according to Wexford County Council.
River Levels Rising
Several rivers, including the Liffey, the Nore, the Barrow, and the Slaney, already have very high water levels and are expected to rise further throughout today and tomorrow. The National Director for Fire and Emergency Management noted that the key time for concern will be tonight.
Wicklow County Council teams are monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts within the county. Requests for sandbags are being evaluated based on need and stock availability. Residents are urged to stay away from coastal edges, where road closures are already in place due to previous flooding.
Heavy Rainfall Expected
Meteorologist Michelle Dillion of Met Éireann explained that an Orange warning over a 24-hour period requires between 50mm and 80mm of rainfall, potentially doubling on the windward side of mountains. She also highlighted the risk of coastal flooding due to high tides, strong onshore winds, and storm surge.
Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel forecasts that disruption is likely in areas already affected by flooding, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 80-90mm over higher ground in the east and southeast.
Recent Rainfall and Emergency Response
Last month was the second wettest January on record in County Dublin, behind 1948, with 141mm of rainfall recorded at the Phoenix Park – 225% of the long-term average. Dublin Airport recorded 137.7mm, 223% of its long-term average. Nationally, January was the wettest since 2018 and the 18th wettest on record, representing 123% of the long-term average.
Johnstown Castle in County Wexford experienced the highest rainfall this January, with 232.7mm (230% of its long-term average), making it the wettest January since 1996.
Tánaiste Simon Harris informed Fine Gael colleagues that over 100 homes have applied for Emergency Response Payment assistance following recent floods, with more applications anticipated. Ten applications have also been submitted by businesses and community organizations to relevant flooding schemes.
A Cabinet sub-committee will convene to review the early weather warning system and the governance structure for future adverse weather events.
