Met Éireann has issued multiple rain and wind warnings for large parts of the country, with 13 counties set to face potential flooding and hazardous travel conditions as heavy rain moves in from Friday into Saturday.
The most serious alert is a Status Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow, where significant rainfall accumulations are expected — particularly across high ground and coastal areas. “Significant flooding possible” and “hazardous travelling conditions” are among the key warnings from forecasters, with motorists being urged to avoid unnecessary journeys during the heaviest downpours.
A broader Status Yellow rain warning is also in place for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford, where persistent rain on already saturated ground could lead to surface flooding, reduced visibility, and dangerous driving conditions. The warning extends across the south and midlands, with further Yellow alerts for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, and Wicklow.
In addition, a Status Yellow wind warning covers Dublin, Louth, Wexford, and Wicklow, where strong and gusty northeasterly winds are expected to make conditions more difficult — particularly for high-sided vehicles and along exposed routes.
For those commuting in and around Dublin, early indications suggest delays and localised flooding on key routes during rush hour periods. In Cork and Limerick, the combination of heavy rain and poor visibility could slow travel on regional and national roads, especially near rivers that have already seen high water levels this week.
Met Éireann’s advice remains to check local updates before travelling, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and secure outdoor items ahead of the worsening weather. Residents in coastal and low-lying areas are also being reminded to keep drains clear and to have sandbags ready where there’s a history of flooding.
With rainfall totals expected to climb sharply through Friday night, emergency services are on standby, and local authorities have urged caution across affected regions. The situation may evolve quickly, and flood alerts could escalate if the heaviest rain bands stall over eastern or southern counties.
For now, the outlook points to a wet, windy 24 hours, with travel disruption and local flooding likely — particularly across Dublin, Wicklow, and Wexford under the Orange warning.
Disclaimer: Weather conditions evolve very quickly. Readers are advised to follow Met Éireann updates closely.
