Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Sunday midnight

End time estimate: Monday 6am

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Sunday and Monday.

Persistent rain is expected to impact the region, approaching the area on Sunday at around midnight and continuing until Monday 6am.

The Yellow warning for rain was announced at 10:48am on Friday, December 12.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain will affect Northern Ireland Sunday and clear away on Monday morning. The rain will be heavy and persistent at times with accumulations of 20-30 mm expected to develop widely. Over 50 mm could accumulate across higher ground.”

What to expect

Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely; Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer; Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer; Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely.

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 effect until 6am on Monday.