Flooding Alerts

Be prepared for the risk of flooding by signing up to flood warning services and weather updates. Warnings are issued 48-hours in advance.

The flood warning service consists of three types of warnings which each advise on the severity of the flooding and will help you take action and prepare for flooding.

There are three types of flood warnings when severe weather has the potential to impact Ireland. These warnings are given a colour (yellow, orange or red).

It is important to read each warning to know what level of impact you can expect for your chosen warning area and how likely those are to occur.

Yellow - Flood Alerts

Be aware. Do not take any avoidable risks.

Does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangers on a localised scale.

Triggers:

• Thunderstorms, lightening activity, heavy rainfall, hail
• Coastal wind gale force 8 / gale force 9

Impact on the Ground:

• Flooding of fields, recreation land and car parks
• Flooding of minor roads
• Flooding of farmland
• Spray or wave overtopping on the coast

Advice:

• Check your flood response plans to see how your organisation needs to respond

Orange - Flood Warnings

Prepare. Check your activity/event and delay or cancel as appropriate.

Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may post a threat to life and property.

Triggers:

• Widespread thunderstorms, severe lightening, heavy rainfall, large damaging hail
• Coastal warning storm force 10

Impact on the ground:

• Flooding of homes and businesses
• Flooding of rail infrastructure
• Flooding of roads with major impacts
• Significant waves and spray on the coast
• Extensive flood plain inundation (including caravan parks or campsites)
• Flooding of major tourist/recreational attractions

Advice:

• Check flood response plans for actions required at this stage

Red - Severe Flood Warnings

Take action. Protect yourself and your property.

Rare and very dangerous conditions.

Triggers:

• Violent storm force 11 / hurricane force 12
• Exceptional thunderstorms, heavy rainfall

Impacts on the ground:

• Deep and fast flowing water
• Debris in the water causing danger
• Potential or observed collapse of buildings and structures
• Communities isolated by flood waters
• Critical infrastructure for communities disabled
• Large number of evacuees
• Military support

Advice:

• Check flood response plans for actions required at this stage
• Advise the public to put their safety first and to be ready to evacuate should the authorities decide it is needed
• Develop clear messages for local communities and the public