Warning: Yellow
To expect: Rain
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday noon
End time estimate: Friday 6pm
The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain alert for Northern Ireland for Friday.
Heavy downpours will affect the region. The showers are predicted to approach the area on Friday at around noon, and it will persist until 6pm.
The Yellow warning for rain was announced at 11:26pm on Thursday, October 2.
A Met Office forecast said: “A band of heavy rain associated with Storm Amy will cross Northern Ireland during Friday. Accumulations of 15-25 mm will fall within 6 hours. Following rainfall in previous days, this could cause further flooding and some travel disruption. The rain will be accompanied by very strong winds, for which separate warnings have been issued.”
What to expect
Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.
What should you do during heavy rainfall?
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. 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 6pm on Friday.