A Status Orange rain warning in place for Dublin and Wicklow has been extended for a longer duration by Met Éireann.

The weather warning which is in place since midday today (Thursday, February 5) will now remain in place until 3:00pm tomorrow, Friday.

Spells of very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to:

Localised flooding;
River flooding, with potential impacts along the entire course of the river;
Difficult travel conditions.

Meanwhile, a Status Orange warning for rain is also currently in place for Wexford until 9:00a.m tomorrow, Friday, while a similar warning for Louth will remain in effect until 6:00p.m tomorrow.

For the much of the rest of the country, there is a Status Yellow warning for rain.

A Status Yellow raining warning is in place currently for: Carlow; Kildare; Kilkenny; Laois; Wexford; Tipperary until 9:00a.m tomorrow Friday.

Cavan, Monaghan and Meath also have a Status Yellow warning for rain in place, but that warning lasts until 6:00p.m tomorrow, Friday.

In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a Status Yellow warning for rain for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Derry which will remain in place until midnight tomorrow.

Flooding and conditions

Meanwhile, The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again today to continue to coordinate the response to flooding.

The NECG is warning that there is a likelihood of flooding tonight and tomorrow.

Today’s high spring tides, combined with strong winds and surge, may cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding in exposed areas, according to the group.

High coastal water levels will also impede river discharge, especially at times of high tide.

Coordinated response

Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and actively responding to the weather conditions and associated flood risks.

Crews are said to be active across their areas, responding to incidents and ensuring precautionary and protective measures are in place.

Alongside the local authorities, the Irish Red Cross and Civil Defence are also on the ground.

Government supports are available to those who are directly impacted by flooding.

Financial supports are available to households, businesses, and voluntary, community, and sporting organisations, according to the NECG.

Advice to the public

The public is urged to be alert for flooding as the situation can change very quickly and even small amounts of rain could result in significant impacts in areas where river levels are high and/or where the ground is already saturated.

Where people are threatened by flood waters in their homes or vehicles, they are advised to call 999/112 for immediate assistance.

Fire Services, the Irish Coast Guard and emergency services are available to respond and where necessary rescue people trapped by flooding. 

Those in the impacted counties, who have the discretion to work from home tomorrow, Friday, are urged to do so in order to free up roads for essential services.

People are urged to check their local authority website and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.

Local authorities are carrying out assessments on roads that were affected by the flooding and, some roads are being kept closed due to damage.

The advice is also to allow for disruption when travelling and plan extra travel time.

When driving, reduce speed, expect surface water, debris, and poor visibility.

The NEGC warns drivers not to bypass ‘Road Closed’ signs or drive through floodwater; turn back and use another route.

Flooding may impact transport services, and the public is advised to check with operators before their journey.

Animal welfare

For animal welfare issues connected with severe weather, farmers are urged to keep in touch with their agricultural advisor or to contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Animal Welfare Helpline 01 607 2379.