Flooding Concerns Rise Across Ireland as Met Éireann Issues New Warnings
Ireland is bracing for further flooding as Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange rain warning for Wicklow and Waterford and a Status Yellow warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Monaghan and Tipperary. The warnings, which come after devastating flooding caused by Storm Chandra in late January , are in effect from 3:00 AM tomorrow, , and will last for 24 hours.
Met Éireann warns that heavy rainfall falling on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, will lead to localized and river flooding, as well as difficult travel conditions. Motorists in the southeast have been specifically warned not to drive into flood water, as even shallow water can conceal strong currents, debris, and open drains. Wexford County Council cautioned that roads are flooded in unexpected locations.
Preparations are underway to mitigate the impact of the expected rainfall and high tides. Wexford County Council is installing aqua dams along exposed parts of the quay in Wexford town ahead of high tide tomorrow morning. The 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, increasing flood risk in low-lying areas, particularly at high tide. Strong winds and surge may also cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding.
Wicklow County Council is monitoring the situation and assessing potential impacts, with sandbag requests being evaluated based on need and stock availability. Residents are urged to stay away from coastal edges, and road closures remain in place in areas previously affected by flooding.
Meteorologist Michelle Dillon of Met Éireann explained that an Orange warning over a 24-hour period requires between 50mm and 80mm of rain, potentially doubling on the windward side of mountains. She also highlighted the risk of coastal flooding due to higher-than-usual spring tides and strong onshore winds, creating a “storm surge.” Dillon stated that the peak of the high tides is expected tomorrow and Friday, with a gradual return to more normal conditions over the weekend.
The National Director for Fire and Emergency Management, Keith Leonard, identified the Nore, Barrow, Slaney, and Liffey river catchments as being particularly vulnerable, anticipating very high water levels throughout this evening and tomorrow. Leonard stated that local authorities are sharing resources and moving equipment to key areas, including the implementation of interim solutions like aqua dams in Enniscorthy, which was heavily impacted by flooding last week following Storm Chandra. Parts of south Dublin, including Rathfarnham, were also badly affected when the River Dodder burst its banks.
Leonard acknowledged the challenges facing the agricultural sector, stating that the current weather conditions are “about as bad as you could have for that type of situation.”
The government is responding to the crisis. Tánaiste Simon Harris informed Fine Gael colleagues that over 100 homes have applied for Emergency Response Payments, with more applications anticipated. Ten applications have also been submitted by businesses and community organizations to relevant flooding schemes. A Cabinet sub-committee will soon convene to review the early weather warning system and the governance structure for future adverse weather events.
Looking ahead, Ms. Dillon indicated that while the weekend may bring drier conditions, unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week, with low pressure remaining dominant. More rain is forecast to arrive tonight and tomorrow, followed by heavy showers, and another band of rain Thursday night into Friday, with further heavy showers expected.
