Warning: Amber

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Monday midnight

End time estimate: Monday 9am

The Met Office has announced an Amber rain warning for Northern Ireland for Monday.

Intense rainfall is forecast for the region, expected to start at approximately midnight on Monday and continuing until 9am.

The Amber alert for rain was issued at 8:31pm on Sunday, July 20.

A Met Office forecast said: “A spell of very heavy rain is expected to affect parts of east and southeast Northern Ireland during Sunday night and at first on Monday morning. There remains some uncertainty in the northern extent of the heaviest rain, but some places are likely to have 50-75 mm of rain in a short space of time with a risk of flash flooding.”

What to expect

Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings; Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life; Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures; A good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads; Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses likely; Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.

What should you do during severe rainfall?

Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously. It is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep-water call 999, and wait for help. Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch & spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water. Consider checking on vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, consult NI:DIRECT. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.

What is an amber 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 Amber weather alert for rain will remain in place until 9am on Monday.