Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Saturday 6pm

End time estimate: Sunday 9am

The Met Office has announced a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland until Sunday morning.

Heavy rain is forecast for the region, expected to start at approximately 6pm on Saturday and lasting until Sunday at 9am.

The Yellow alert for rain was issued at 9:03am on Saturday, January 24.

A Met Office forecast said: “A region of rain and showers, heavy at times, associated with a slow moving area of low pressure is expected to drift across Northern Ireland overnight Saturday into Sunday. 10-20 mm is expected widely and in a few spots as much as 25 mm could fall in a 9-12 hour period, leading to localised flooding and difficult driving conditions. It will also become windy with easterly winds gusting 30 to 35 mph inland and to 45 to 55 mph on some coasts and over high ground. Winds will ease after midnight.”

What to expect

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

What should you do during heavy downpours?

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 9am on Sunday.