Heavy rain expected across island as weather warnings issued

Heavy rain and flooding is expected in many areas across the island of Ireland, with multiple weather warnings issued.

The warnings come after weeks of heavy rain and flooding in some areas.

A status orange rain warning will be in place for Dublin and Wicklow until 12:00 Friday, while a status orange rain warning is in place in Waterford until 09:00 on Friday. Another status orange warning has been issued for Louth, in place until 18:00 Friday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone, in place until 23:59 on Friday.

The forecaster said heavy rain may lead to some flooding and travel disruption.

According to the Met Office, most places will receive between 10-20 mm of rain.

Showers are expected to be persistent in parts of the Mourne Mountains and Antrim Hills.

Given the record-breaking amounts of rain that fell in January, the ground is saturated and very sensitive to further rainfall.

Impacts of flooding may be low in many areas but in parts of Counties Down and Antrim, disruption is likely to be more significant

Southeasterly winds will be strong to gale force in coastal areas and large waves may form along parts of the east coast leading to hazardous travelling conditions.

There is also a possibility of isolated power cuts and disruption to other services, while flooding of a few homes and business businesses cannot be ruled out.

Status Yellow rain warnings have also been issued for counties including Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Dublin and Wicklow.

In a nationwide weather advisory, Irish forecaster Met Éireann has warned that flooding is likely due to a combination of already saturated ground, high river levels and high tides.

The Road Safety Authority is urging drivers to take care on the roads.

Dublin City Council said it was monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely to "ensure appropriate responses as required".

It said its crews were active across the city, with removal of debris at rivers and blockage clearing ongoing to minimise negative impacts.

The council has a "limited supply of sandbags at strategic locations for use in response to identified flooding risks".

Wicklow County Council said it was in a "state of readiness" ahead of the Status Orange warning.

It said it had taken a number of preventative measures, including replenishing stocks of sandbags, closing roads subject to flooding and structural damage, and crews working to clear drains and gullies that have become blocked with flood debris.

In Waterford, the council said high tide had passed on Thursday morning and flood defence barriers had been effective.

Waterford City and County Council ground crews are on site to monitor the situation.

Weather stations at Dublin Airport and Phoenix Park in Dublin both recorded their wettest January since 1948.

A study carried out between Maynooth University and Met Éireann found that the amount of rain over eight days, including during Storm Chandra, was three times more likely due to climate change.