Multiple weather warnings are in effect across Ireland today, , as heavy and persistent rainfall increases the risk of flooding. Status Orange and Yellow warnings have been issued for counties in the east and southeast of the country.
Met Éireann has issued Status Orange rainfall warnings for Dublin, Wicklow, and Waterford. The warning for Waterford is in effect from 9am today until 9am tomorrow. Dublin and Wicklow are under an Orange warning from 12pm today until 12pm tomorrow. A Yellow warning is also in place for Dublin and Wicklow between 9am and 12pm today.
Separately, Status Yellow rain warnings are in effect for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, and Tipperary from 9am today until 9am tomorrow. Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth will be under a Yellow warning from 12pm today until 12pm tomorrow.
The warnings come as spells of very heavy rain fall on already saturated ground, combined with high tides and high river levels. Met Éireann warns this combination will lead to localised flooding, river flooding, and difficult travelling conditions.
Wicklow County Council is “in a state of readiness” ahead of the Orange warning, having taken preventative measures including clearing drains and gullies, preparing crews to respond to impacted areas, and replenishing sandbag stocks. Roads subject to flooding and structural damage have been closed to traffic, and assessments of damage to the road network are ongoing.
Waterford City and County Council are making sandbags available at some depots and advising people to stay away from coastal areas. Wexford County Council reports roads are flooded in unexpected locations and has installed aqua dams along exposed parts of the quay in Wexford town ahead of high tide around 9am.
Wexford County Council noted that much of the spot flooding is caused by run-off from land, and full drainage systems will take time to recover. High coastal levels will reduce the capacity for river discharge and increase flood risk in low-lying areas, particularly at high tide. Strong winds and surge may also cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding.
Met Éireann meteorologist Michelle Dillon explained that an Orange warning over a 24-hour period requires between 50mm and 80mm of rain, and potentially up to double that on the windward side of mountains. She also highlighted the risk of coastal flooding due to higher-than-usual spring tides, strong onshore winds, and storm surge.
Motorists in affected areas are being warned not to drive into flood water.
A general weather advisory remains in place for Ireland, stating that spells of heavy and persistent rainfall will continue through the week, with flooding likely due to saturated ground, high river levels, and high tides.
