Ongoing rainfall continues to disrupt travel across Ireland and Northern Ireland, with warnings remaining in effect for several counties as of Friday morning. While some alerts have been scaled back, authorities continue to advise caution due to the risk of flooding and tough travel conditions.
Weather Warnings in Effect
Status orange rain warnings expired at 9am for Waterford, Dublin, and Wicklow. However, Louth remains under a status orange warning until midday. Status yellow rain warnings expired at 9am for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, and Tipperary. Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, and Dublin will remain under a status yellow warning until midday.
Further north, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, and Derry are under a yellow rain warning until midnight. Matthew Martin from Met Éireann stated that further flooding is likely, given the ground conditions and the response of rivers to recent rainfall.
Travel Disruptions
Irish Rail is working to restore services impacted by debris and flooding. Services through Greystones and Wicklow are returning to normal after debris was cleared from Kilcoole, though knock-on delays are possible. Services are operating under caution through Broombridge in Dublin due to rising water levels, and further delays are expected in Seapoint due to flooding.
The Dublin to Rosslare line remains closed between Greystones and Kilcoole due to debris, and between Enniscorthy and Wexford due to flooding. DART services are suspended at Malahide and Clongriffin because of a mechanical fault. Jane Cregan of Irish Rail noted that “Videos yesterday show how bad the water level was on Thursday.”
A number of Bus Éireann routes have likewise been cancelled.
Emergency Coordination
The National Emergency Coordination Group urged those who can work from home in impacted counties to do so, in order to free up roads for essential services. Met Éireann has warned of the risk of localised flooding and difficult travel conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under a status orange rain warning?
As of this report, only Louth remains under a status orange rain warning, which is in place until midday.
What is impacting rail services?
Rail services are impacted by debris on the line, flooding, and a mechanical fault. The Dublin to Rosslare line is partially closed, and DART services are suspended at Malahide and Clongriffin.
What advice has been issued to the public?
The National Emergency Coordination Group has urged those who can work from home in impacted counties to do so, to free up roads for essential services.
As conditions evolve, will you continue to monitor weather alerts and adjust travel plans accordingly?
