Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Saturday 1pm

End time estimate: Sunday 4am

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Saturday and Sunday.

Intense showers will batter the region. The rainfall is predicted to approach the area on Saturday at around 1pm, and it will persist until Sunday 4am.

The Yellow alert for rain was announced at 11:01am on Thursday, September 18.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rainfall is likely to develop during Saturday, and may become persistent and at times heavy. 20-40 mm of rain may fall widely, with some locations perhaps seeing 60-80 mm, with much of this falling in just a few hours. From late Saturday onwards, increasingly strong, gusty winds and perhaps some thunder will also accompany the rainfall. There is a chance that the heaviest rainfall could remain to the southeast of Northern Ireland, and any rain will clear to the northeast overnight Saturday into Sunday.”

What to expect

Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services; Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

What should you do during heavy rain?

Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is a yellow weather warning?

The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.

A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.

An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.

The Yellow weather alert for rain will remain in place until 4am on Sunday.