FROM 12PM THIS afternoon, a Status Orange warning for rain will be in place across Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow.

This alert is in place from 12pm until 8am tomorrow and Met Éireann is warning that significant rainfall, especially on high ground and exposed areas, could result in significant flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.

The warning was originally due to begin at 2pm but has been moved to the earlier time of 12pm.

The public has been warned that there is a flood risk “in all areas”, not just these Status Orange counties or those that will come under Status Yellow alerts later. 

From 9am this morning until 9am on Saturday, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford will come under a Status Yellow rain warning.

Counties under a Status Yellow alert will be subject to heavy and persistent rain, which could lead to flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

A Separate Status Yellow wind alert will then come into place from 12pm today until 4am tomorrow morning across Dublin, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow.

Strong and gusty northeasterly winds could cause difficult travelling conditions and wind related debris.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has warned that while there is a particular risk of flooding across south and east Leinster and Munster, all areas could see flooding. 

The NDFEM met yesterday to plan and prepare for the rain and flooding forecasts.

All Local Authorities, relevant Government departments, state agencies and utility providers were part of this meeting.

The NDFEM has warned of a “significant risk of flooding in all areas”.

It noted that the weather warnings come on the back of significant rainfall in recent days and that rain is expected to arrive in many areas already saturated and where many rivers are already at capacity. 

As a result, flooding is deemed to be a risk “for all areas due to the current conditions” and even counties with a yellow rain warning or no rain warning are at risk of flooding.

Local Authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be active and responding to the affected areas and some roads may close due to flooding.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the NDFEM, urged the public to be “aware of the potential conditions in their area and to heed the safety advice”.

The public are also advised to stay away from coastal areas, avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions.

The public is also asked to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, whose banks can collapse without warning. 

Flooding impacts may also be very local and specific, and the public is advised to follow any advice issued by the emergency services and their local authority.

There is also a Status Yellow wind warning in place from 12 noon today until 4am across Dublin, Louth, Wexford and Wicklow.

In a statement to The Journal, a spokesperson for Wicklow County Council said its Severe Weather Alert Team met yesterday to discuss preparations for the potential impacts of the weather warnings.

An online national technical briefing by Met Éireann is scheduled for 10am this morning and following this, the Severe Weather Alert Team will meet again.

“As always, staff located in our Municipal Districts are prepared to respond to weather warnings of this nature,” added the Council spokesperson.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that the Bantry Flood Relief Scheme has opened for small businesses impacted by recent flooding in the Bantry area of Co Cork earlier this month. 

The support is targeted at small businesses of up to 20 employees and provides an assistance payment towards the cost of returning premises to their pre-flood condition.

Co Cork is under a Status Yellow alert today and a Level 1 flood response is in place in East Cork. 

Crews have inspected known risk locations in Cork and pumping arrangements are in place at locations prone to flooding.

Travel

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority is advising road users in the East and South to take extra care when using the roads.

It has warned road users in Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, those under a Status Orange warning, to take extra precautions before setting out on a journey.

Where people have to use the roads, the RSA is advising that drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. 

This is especially important on high speed roads, such as dual carriageways and motorways, where there is increased danger of aquaplaning

Special care should also be taken when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a lot of spray which reduces visibility.

If the road is flooded, motorists should choose another route and refrain from attempting to drive through it.

The RSA has reminded motorists that flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.

It also warned that the verge may have subsided and there could be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.

And after going through water, motorists should drive slowly with their foot on the brake pedal for a short distance, as this helps to dry the brakes.

Meanwhile, pedestrians should walk on the right-hand side of the road and face traffic if there are no footpaths.

Cyclists should ensure they and their bike are visible to other road users by having a good set of front and rear lights and by wearing high visibility clothing that helps them to be seen on their bike. 

Extra care should also be taken when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions.