Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Friday 3pm

End time estimate: Saturday 4pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland until early Saturday evening.

The region should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Friday at around 3pm and ending Saturday at 4pm.

The Yellow alert for rain was issued at 10:17am on Friday, April 18.

A Met Office forecast said: “A spell of persistent, and at times heavy, rain developing today lasts well into Saturday. 20 to 40 mm of rain is likely to build up widely with 50 to 75 mm over some higher ground and perhaps in excess of 75 mm in one or two spots.”

What to expect

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 possible; Flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible.

What should you do during intense showers?

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 4pm on Saturday.