overview

Given recent rainfall, river levels and leading conditions, further flooding is possible across the South, South East, Central, East and North East from Wednesday into Thursday. A rain and wind warning has been issued for Wednesday, with a rain and snow warning also in place for Donegal.

Spring tides over the next few days, combined with strong winds and storm surge, could disrupt river discharges and increase the risk of flooding for low-lying coasts and estuaries, especially at high tide.

situation

The Atlantic low pressure system continues to drive the weather pattern, with another low pressure system approaching Ireland today, with heavy rain expected to be quite widespread overnight into Wednesday. The eastern half of the country sees the heaviest precipitation, while western regions tend to stop raining by early afternoon. In addition to heavy rain, which may at times pose a risk of surface and river flooding, strong winds are expected to develop along the coast and southeasterly winds with strong gusts are also expected to develop. The strongest easterly winds will coincide with high tide along the east coast on Wednesday morning, creating a risk of coastal flooding in areas prone to wave overtopping and low-lying flooding. In the Northwest, as the rain encounters colder air, it could briefly fall as sleet or snow, especially at higher elevations, before returning to rain later in the day. Strong winds will also blow from the west and northwest.

The trend of above-normal precipitation in the east and south continued into February, with parts of the east reaching three to four times the average precipitation normally expected during the first two weeks of February. The image below shows rainfall across the country over the past 14 days, with the largest deviations from average in the east.

Figure 1: Rainfall: past 14 days

Figure 2: DINI rain and wind forecast for Wednesday

Public safety advice

• Keep an eye on the Met Alien forecast – conditions can change quickly. For the latest information please visit https://www.met.ie/. Information is also available on the Met Éireann app, social media platforms (@mereirann) and message boards.
• Check local government websites and social media channels for information such as road closures, flood updates, and community warnings.
• Consider disruption during your trip. Plan for extra travel time and slow down.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
• Do not go around road closure signs. The road ahead is unsafe and damage may be hidden under water, potentially putting your life at risk.
• Do not drive through flood water. Turn back and use a different route.
• Check with your transportation provider when planning your trip
• Stay away from river banks, streams, and canals. Water levels can rise quickly.
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
• At high tide, stay away from coastal edges, harbors, piers and low-lying boardwalks.
• The Irish Coastguard’s advice remains: Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.
• Contact neighbors, the elderly, or anyone who may need help in case the situation worsens.
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted on 1800 372 999. The public can also monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. Regarding power outage recovery time.
• Uisce Éireann customers can keep up to date with the latest information on our website and social media channels, and contact our 24/7 Customer Care Center on 1800 278 278 with any issues or concerns. Members of the public can also sign up online for our free text alert system to receive regular updates on local supplies (see www.water.ie).
• Please check the river water level water level.ie