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The rhino sculpture in the Dodder in Milltown, Dublin, is barely visible as the river level rises this evening. David Mac Redmond
As it happened

Eastern counties worst hit as Storm Claudia brings heavy rain, flooding and fallen trees

The Road Safety Authority has urged road users to be cautious while travelling.
11.10am, 14 Nov 2025
90.5k
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LAST UPDATE | 14 Nov 2025

THE RAIN IS still pouring down across much of the country this evening as a number of weather warnings remain in place for much of the east and south. 

Met Éireann has warned of potential significant flooding and difficult travel conditions as a result of the heavy rain. 

Flights have been cancelled at Dublin Airport and flooding has been reported in Offaly and Laois, while there have been several fallen trees in Wicklow and Wexford. 

The intense rain is due to Storm Claudia, a Spanish-named storm that started its life bringing strong rain and wind to Spain and Portugal. 

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management convened yesterday to prepare for the poor weather and potential impacts like flooding.

The Road Safety Authority has urged road users to be cautious while travelling, with disruption and delays for drivers and public transport users likely as the evening progresses.

Updates by David Mac Redmond (now), Jane Moore, Eoghan Dalton, Diarmuid Pepper and Lauren Boland (earlier).

14 Nov 2025 11:14AM

Good morning. It’s a wet one out there for much of the country – it’s a day for staying inside, or at least bringing a solid raincoat with you if you have to venture out.

The poor weather is expected to persist throughout the day and be rough overnight as well into tomorrow morning.

We’ll have live updates here on The Journal about the weather and its impacts.

14 Nov 2025 11:17AM
Weather warnings

Met Éireann has issued several weather warnings for the coming hours. Here’s exactly what they are:

Status Orange rain warning

  • For: Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow
  • From: 12pm today
  • Until: 8am tomorrow

Status Yellow rain warning

  • For: Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford
  • From: 9am today
  • Until: 9am tomorrow

Status Yellow wind warning

  • For: Dublin, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow
  • From: 12pm today
  • Until: 4am tomorrow
14 Nov 2025 11:30AM

How often do you see a 100% chance of rain forecast for the entire day?

Here’s what Met Éireann’s forecast looks like for Dublin city.

The good news is it drops to a mere 95% at 4am. Hang in there.

Dublin city forecast Met Éireann Met Éireann

14 Nov 2025 11:49AM

Met Éireann has said that heavy rain on ‘saturated ground’ is why it’s concerned about Storm Claudia.

The volume of rain and the length of time it will go on will cause saturated grounds and swollen rivers, the national forecaster has explained.

Significant flooding could potentially happen even in counties that haven’t received a weather warning.

Read the full story here on how the storm is affecting Ireland.

14 Nov 2025 11:52AM
Impacts could develop over several days

Met Éireann forecaster Liz Walsh has said that the effects of the rain will likely build up over the next few days.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh, she said that “certain things like swollen rivers, they have differing reaction times”.

“Some are eight hours, some are 20 hours, some are three days,” she said.

She said that means the impacts from the rain could be felt “for a number of days afterwards”.

PastedImage-25976 Storm Claudia has been mainly affecting the Iberian peninsula but has been feeding fronts northwards. Met Éireann Met Éireann

14 Nov 2025 12:15PM
Venturing out? Take caution on the roads

The Road Safety Authority is urging road users to take extra care on the roads, especially in the east and south of the country.

The RSA is advising that drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance than usual between themselves and the vehicle in front.

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

The RSA has also reminded motorists that flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think and that fallen trees or branches may not be immediately visible.

14 Nov 2025 12:20PM
Train travel

All train services are currently operating as normal despite the weather, according to Irish Rail. 

If that changes, it will notify customers on its website.

It’s recommending that passengers allow extra time to get to stations.

While waiting in a station, passengers should stand back from platform edges in high wind conditions, especially in exposed coastal areas, until the train has come to a stop.

Irish Rail storm claudia Irish Rail's latest alert as of 12.20pm Irish Rail's latest alert as of 12.20pm

14 Nov 2025 12:23PM
Emergency team convenes

Local authorities and several government departments, state agencies and utility providers met again this morning to prepare for impacts of rain and flooding.

The meeting of the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) noted that the predicted rainfall over the next 24 hours brings a high risk of flooding in many counties.

In a statement after the meeting, the NDFEM said that flooding is a risk for all areas due to the current conditions, and even counties with a yellow rain warning or no rain warning will remain at risk of flooding.

“Local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be active and responding to the affected areas; however, the need may arise to close some roads due to flooding, and all motorists should follow any traffic instructions put in place,” it said.

“Driving during heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times.”

14 Nov 2025 12:24PM

And here’s a message from Keith Leonard, National Director of the NDEFM:

“It’s important that people are aware of the potential conditions in their area. River and surface water flooding is expected in Leinster and Munster today and into the weekend, in part due to the recent rainfall earlier this week, which has led to saturated grounds and swollen rivers, combined with the heavy rainfall we are expecting.

“We are asking people to stay away from coastal areas during this period, avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, and to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, where banks can collapse without warning. Flooding impacts can be very localised and specific, so be sure to heed any advice issued by the emergency services and your local authority.

“Drivers also need to be wary of potentially hazardous conditions in their area, so please slow down, increase your stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads. If the road ahead is flooded, do not enter – turn around and find another route.”

14 Nov 2025 12:32PM
Safety advice

The NDFEM has shared the following public safety advice amid the bad weather:

  • do not try to walk through floodwater – just a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; deeper water can move a car,
  • follow advice from emergency services and your local authority,
  • intense rainfall, even over a short period, may overwhelm urban drainage systems,
  • avoid contact with floodwater where possible; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or sharp debris,
  • farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible.
  • prepare for this period of severe weather, including by ensuring your mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication,
  • monitor Met Éireann forecasts for up-to-date information,
  • and ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately on 1800 372 999.
14 Nov 2025 12:43PM

Coincidence or strategic timing? While we’re all stuck inside, RTÉ has dropped a trailer for The Late Late Toy Show, which is on the first Friday of December.

The Late Late Show / YouTube

14 Nov 2025 12:45PM

A plight that will no doubt hit many of us today: our reporter Sophie Finn’s umbrella is no more after being faced with the outdoors.

IMG_0915

14 Nov 2025 1:00PM
Dublin Airport

Despite the wet weather, operations are said to be “moving well” at Dublin Aiport.

As of 12 noon, a spokesperson said the airport has seen one incoming aircraft perform a go-around, but other than that, departures and arrivals are moving smoothly and this is expected to continue for the rest of the day.

However, the spokesperson noted that heavy rain could make for tricky driving conditions.

“Passengers should give themselves plenty of time to get here and take extra care on the roads,” said the Dublin Airport spokesperson.

“Passengers seeking updates on specific flights should contact their airline directly.”

G5t3j6pXoAEAzmq

14 Nov 2025 1:06PM
Vulnerable neighbours

The HSE has urged people, if they can do so, to phone older or vulnerable neighbours to check that they are okay.

However, it has added that people should “heed public warnings and do not put yourself at risk”.

14 Nov 2025 1:12PM

While Louth is under a Status Yellow rain warning, it has been warned that all areas are at risk of flooding.

As a result, sandbags are available from a number of council locations throughout the county.

14 Nov 2025 1:27PM

Keith Leonard, national director for the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management, has told RTÉ’s News at One that while there will be some “very difficult conditions”, local authorities have been “preparing for this for the last number of days”.

He also warned that “the flooding could lag and still come through after the rainfall has gone”.

Leonard also said fallen leaves is a “complicating factor”.

“But local authorities have been checking culverts, gullies and drains, trying to make sure, as much as possible, that they can unblock them and allow surface water to run off as quickly as we can.”

He also warned off road hazards due to the heavy rain.

“We know what the M50 is like on the best of conditions and that gets much worse anytime there’s significant rainfall.

“For people who have to travel, particularly people trying to get to the airport or other urgent things, you really need to give yourself a good bit of extra time over the next few days to make those journeys.”

14 Nov 2025 1:36PM
Dublin City Council Parks

 

All Dublin City Council Parks are now closed as a result of the Status Orange weather warning and will reopen tomorrow at 11am.  

14 Nov 2025 1:47PM
Dublin flood risk

In a note sent to Dublin councillors, it was noted that Dublin City Council’s flood response teams have been deployed since 4am this morning.

Higher rainfall in in the Dublin Mountains could also impact rivers to the south of the city and as a result, teams are actively tracking flows on the Dodder, Camac and Poddle.

It’s also been warned that the River Dodder requires “particular vigilance” over the weekend and flood defence gates are in place.

The note to councillors also warned that falling leaves are impacting on drainage and that sandbags are ready to be deployed “promptly” should the situation escalate. 

14 Nov 2025 1:49PM
Dublin Fire Brigade

Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade were hard at work yesterday to ensure all its flood response equipment is up to scratch should the need to use it arise.

14 Nov 2025 2:20PM

In Co Wicklow, a fallen tree has closed the R412 affecting Loughmogue, Dunlavin and Drim Rathdangan.

Crews are working to clear the tree, near the county boundary with Kildare.

14 Nov 2025 2:31PM

While the south and east of the country is now subject to heavy rain, the North is due to feel its impact overnight.

From midnight until 12 noon tomorrow, counties Armagh and Down will be under a yellow alert for rain. 

14 Nov 2025 3:12PM
Wicklow

There are some fallen trees in Wicklow, as well as roads which are closed due to flooding. 

G5uV4vsXYAAyahN Wallen tree on Cookstown Road opposite Enniskerry Demesne. Wicklow County Council Wicklow County Council

14 Nov 2025 3:16PM
Met Éireann advice

In the past half hour, Met Éireann has issued this advice to people.

It notes that flooding is to be expected in Leinster and Munster and warned that heavy rainfall could “overwhelm urban drainage systems”.

The Public is advised to stay awat from swollen rivers and streams and to stay awya from coastal areas.

14 Nov 2025 3:24PM

And here’s the update from Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather as of 3pm. 

He says over 36mm of rain has fallen on the eastern side of the Wicklow Mountains and “plenty of rain falling in the south”, with more to come this evening and overnight. 

“The good news is, sunny spells from the north will extend down the country on Sunday and by late afternoon should have extended to most areas.”

He also forecasts sunny spells next week but a drop in temperatures.

14 Nov 2025 3:27PM

Dublin City Council says all its flood response teams are “active and ready”.

It’s also appealed to the public to park safely to avoid blocking drains so that maintenance staff can have access. 

14 Nov 2025 3:54PM

In Dún Laoghaire, the East and West Pier closed at 2pm due to the flooding risk.

Its recycling centres also closed from 2pm due to the weather warning.

14 Nov 2025 3:56PM

The European Commission’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service has noted that severe weather and flood impacts are expected as Storm Claudia passes over Ireland.

Its mapping team has been requested to provide flood extent and damage assessment emergency mapping.

14 Nov 2025 4:08PM

Gardaí are urging people to stay safe amid the flood warnings. 

14 Nov 2025 4:09PM
Umbrella struggles

It’s wet and windy in Dublin and some people are unfortunately being let down by their umbrellas. 

dublin 1 Woman holding a broken umbrella crosses the Sean O'Casey bridge this afternoon Alamy Alamy

dublin Man holding a broken umbrella crosses the Sean O'Casey bridge this afternoon in Dublin Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Storm Claudia-4_90737868 Woman struggles with her umbrella in high winds on the Ha'Penny Bridge in Dublin today RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

14 Nov 2025 4:22PM

Here’s how things looked this morning along the Avoca River in Arklow, Co Wicklow.

14 Nov 2025 4:22PM
Eight flights cancelled at Dublin Airport

DAA spokesperson Graeme McQueen has told RTÉ’s Drivetime that eight Emerald Airlines flights have been cancelled at Dublin Airport in the last few minutes. 

“They’ve cancelled four in, four out,” he said, adding that the destinations were Leeds, Bradford and Birmingham.

“That’s due to crosswinds. They’re just concerned about wind speeds. The planes that operate those routes are ATRs – now to everyone, that would mean propeller-type aircraft.”

McQueen said that while things are “pretty trudgy” on the airfield, things are moving well at Dublin Airport.

“If you are flying tonight, we would recommend you stay in touch with your airline just to make sure you’re up to date on any delays or issues. We’re expecting a full schedule tonight, albeit you may have some little delays along the way,” he added. 

14 Nov 2025 4:36PM

For anyone who has to brave the weather to get a train in the next while, Iarnród Éireann’s Barry Kenny has said that all services are operating on all routes without disruption.

“We don’t have any weather impacts at this point in time,” he told RTÉ’s Drivetime. 

Crews are located right across the network who ready to respond to any issues that arise. “We would ask customers for their patience if any weather-related disruption occurs,” he added. 

14 Nov 2025 4:42PM

Dublin City Council is reminding the public that all of its parks will be closed until 11am tomorrow.

They said that any scheduled activities should not take place and members of the public should avoid entering parks until the weather warnings have expired.

14 Nov 2025 4:45PM

Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow is flowing strongly amid the stormy weather.

14 Nov 2025 4:55PM

A tree has fallen and blocked the Ashford to Roundwood Road in Co Wicklow. 

Wicklow County Council are asking the public to take an alternative route until it is cleared.

14 Nov 2025 5:08PM

Offaly County Council has said that although county is not included in the Met Éireann weather warnings, given existing soil saturation, surface water runoff from high ground, standing water in low-lying areas and elevated river levels, they are continually monitoring the situation. 

In a statement to RTÉ’s Drivetime, the council said road crews have been mobilised from earlier this week “for both mitigation and reactive responses in a number of locations throughout the county.

“Crews have responded to localised roads flooding issues in Tullamore, Edenderry (Portarlington) and Birr municipal districts,” the statement read. 

14 Nov 2025 5:25PM
NDFEM watching River Slaney 'very closely'

Keith Leonard, national director for the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management, has told RTÉ’s Drivetime that Wexford and areas of South Wicklow are experiencing “some surface flooding” at this point.

Leonard said there is surface flooding “really right across the south and the eastern region”, which will cause disruption to road networks across a fairly wide area in Leinster and Munster. 

He said that while the weather warnings will expire tomorrow morning, oftentimes the flooding – particularly in bigger catchments areas – lags a little bit behind the actual rainfall itself.

“We could see flooding right across the weekend, right into Sunday.”

Leonard said the NDFEM is watching the River Slaney “very closely”, with the Shannon “also starting to come to a very high level”. 

14 Nov 2025 5:31PM

Gardaí are advising drivers in Dublin to avoid the East-Link Toll Bridge due to fallen debris. 

14 Nov 2025 5:33PM

Wicklow County Council are reporting “limited localised flooding” which is likely to continue throughout the evening as a result of the continuing rainfall.

14 Nov 2025 5:58PM

Dublin City Council has warned of the need for “extra vigilance” by the River Dodder as heavy rainfall continues.

14 Nov 2025 6:08PM

Heavy rain isn’t the only concern in Dublin.

Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the Point Village this evening after high winds caused damage to a building.

14 Nov 2025 6:12PM

Hello, David Mac Redmond here taking over after venturing down to the Dodder in Milltown, where the river is very high this evening.

14 Nov 2025 6:48PM

Met Éireann’s Gerry Murphy has told RTÉ’s Six One News that the rain in the east is going to be at its heaviest from now on and into the night. 

“So there are places in the east which have already had plenty of rain,” Murphy said, “but they’re going to notice that the rain will increase in intensity over the coming hours, and that rain will be heavy, really, up until about 11 o’clock, possibly midnight.”

14 Nov 2025 7:04PM

14 Nov 2025 7:32PM
Dublin Airport

As of 5pm, there was only a small amount of disruption at Dublin Airport.

Emerald Airlines made the decision this evening to cancel eight flights (four inbound and four outbound) scheduled to operate between Dublin and Birmingham and Leeds Bradford airports.

This was because crosswind speeds at both airports were expected to exceed safe operating levels for the type of aircraft used on these routes.

There have been a small number of go-arounds over the course of the day also.

While wet and windy weather is expected to continue through the evening and into Saturday morning, Dublin Airport expects to operate close to a full schedule.

Passengers due to fly over the next 24 hours should contact their airline directly for latest updates and take extra care on the roads leading to and from the airport.

14 Nov 2025 7:42PM
Olivia Kelleher in Cork

While the wet and windy weather has caused disruption across the country, the Corkmas parade, the official start of Christmas in Cork city, is underway this evening.

Cork City Council decided to go ahead with the parade in the city centre because a large number of the performers had been booked for several months

“Rain doesn’t bother Santa on Christmas Eve and it won’t bother him tonight either,” added a spokesperson.

The parade started at 7pm and features dancers, marching bands and performers.

A rugby match at Virgin Media Park at 7.30pm is also likely to add to traffic congestion on some routes into the city.

DK20241115 CorkMas 211 File image from last year's Corkmas Parade Darragh Kane Darragh Kane

14 Nov 2025 8:00PM

Video footage here of Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow, which is under a Status Orange warning.

14 Nov 2025 8:07PM

Met Éireann’s Meteorologist Mark Bowe outlines what we can expect tonight and over the coming days. 

He says the rain will continue overnight and into the morning, before easing later tomorrow.

14 Nov 2025 9:01PM

14 Nov 2025 9:16PM

The rain and wind are still lashing the east of the country in particular tonight. The heaviest rainfall is expected to continue until sometime between 11pm and midnight. 

Here are the main things you need to know:

  • Status Orange rain warnings are in place in Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford until 8am on Saturday.
  • Status Yellow rain warnings are in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford until 9am on Saturday.
  • There are Status Yellow rain warning in place for counties Armagh and Down until midday on Saturday. 
  • There are Status Yellow wind warnings in place until 4am for counties Louth, Dublin, Wexford, Wicklow and Meath.
  • The Road Safety Authority has advised people to exercise caution when driving and Met Éireann has said people should only travel if necessary. 
  • There has been some disruption at Dublin Airport, with some flights cancelled.
  • Some rowing sessions and underage sporting events in the Dublin area scheduled for tomorrow have been called off.

Related Reads
Saturated ground and swollen rivers - why Met Éireann is so concerned about Storm Claudia's rain
'Significant flooding' could hit any part of the country today - here's what you need to know

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