Warning: Yellow
To expect: Rain
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Tuesday midnight
End time estimate: Tuesday 11pm
Storm Chandra triggers the Met Office to announce a Yellow rain alert for Northern Ireland for Tuesday.
Heavy rain will affect the region. The showers are expected to approach the area on Tuesday at around midnight, and it will last until 11pm.
The Yellow alert for rain was announced at 10:25am on Monday, January 26.
A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain will spread across Northern Ireland during Tuesday, perhaps falling as snow for a time over the highest ground, before turning more showery later in the day. Rainfall totals of 20-30 mm are likely fairly widely, with 50-70 mm possible on high ground, especially in eastern areas. Given the saturated nature of the ground, this may lead to some flooding. Rain will also be accompanied by strong east to southeasterly winds, particularly in northern and eastern areas where peak gusts of 40-50 mph are possible inland and potentially 60-70 mph along some exposed coasts. A separate amber warning for strong winds is in place for the north and east of Northern Ireland.”
What to expect
Delays or cancellations to train and bus and air services are possible; Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads; Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Possible power cuts to some homes and businesses, and interruptions to other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life; Some roads and bridges may close; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties, as well as from flying debris.
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. Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus, train and ferry 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. If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 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 11pm on Tuesday.