Communities across Ireland are bracing for further heavy rainfall on Friday, with many areas already saturated from flooding earlier this week. Met Éireann has extended a yellow rainfall warning to include Co Louth, adding to the existing warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford. The warning is in effect from midday Friday until midnight.
Increased Flood Risk
The national forecaster indicates a high likelihood of localized and river flooding as the already-soaked ground struggles to absorb more water. Meteorologist Linda Hughes of Met Éireann explained that “there’s been no break since Storm Chandra and another spell of rain is coming in,” exacerbating existing issues with high river levels.
Travel Disruptions Expected
Gardaí are preparing for a challenging bank holiday weekend, with increased checkpoints planned across the country. Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty urged all road users to exercise extreme caution and reduce speed. “This weekend is going to be very, very challenging, right across the country,” he stated, noting the presence of “muck” and debris on roadways due to the wet conditions.
Superintendent Geraghty specifically advised against driving through flooded roads, warning of potential vehicle damage and the risk of requiring emergency rescue. He also cautioned against distracted driving, citing examples of drivers engaging in activities other than focusing on the road.
Potential Future Impacts
If the predicted rainfall materializes, we could see further disruption to travel networks, particularly in the counties under warning. Localized flooding may impact access to certain areas, and emergency services may be stretched responding to incidents. Should rainfall exceed forecasts, the severity of these impacts could increase. Continued monitoring of Met Éireann updates is advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties are under a yellow rain warning?
Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford are currently under a status yellow rain warning from midday Friday until midnight.
What is Gardaí’s advice for drivers?
Gardaí are advising all road users to take extra care, slow down, and avoid driving through roads blocked with water. They are also warning against using mobile phones or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.
What is the expected rainfall amount?
30 or 40 millimeters of rain are expected in the warned counties, with potentially higher accumulations in mountainous areas.
As communities prepare for another round of heavy rainfall, what steps will you take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you?
