National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on incoming wet weather and flooding risk
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 13 Samhain 2025
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened a meeting of all Local Authorities, relevant government departments, state agencies and utility providers today to plan and prepare for the rain and flooding forecasts that have been issued by Met Éireann.
Many parts of Ireland have experienced significant rainfall in recent days, and Met Éireann have issued both yellow and orange rain warnings for multiple counties over the coming days. The forecast rain is expected to arrive in many areas where ground levels are already saturated, and many rivers are already at capacity. This brings a significant risk of flooding in all areas, particularly in South and East Leinster and across Munster.
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 TII 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 all traffic instructions put in place. 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.
Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:
Status Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow
Valid: 14:00 Friday to 11:00 Saturday.
Status Yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford
Valid: 09:00 Friday to 09:00 Saturday
Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow
Valid: 11:00 Friday to 11:00 Saturday
Status Yellow wind warning for Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow
Valid: 12:00 Friday to 04:00 Saturday
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said:
“I’m asking the public to be aware of the potential conditions in their area, and to heed the safety advice associated with this kind of weather. River and surface water flooding is expected in Leinster and Munster on Friday 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 upcoming heavy rainfall expected.
“The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period, avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions – where water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual – and to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, whose banks can collapse without warning. Flooding impacts may be very local and specific, so be sure to follow any advice issued by the emergency services and your local authority.
“Drivers all need to be wary of potentially hazardous conditions in their area. I’d ask them to slow down, increase their 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.”
Further public safety advice
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.
People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit www.met.ie for the most up-to-date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.