Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Sunday 1am

End time estimate: Sunday 4pm

The Met Office has issued an updated Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Sunday.

Heavy rainfall will impact the region. The showers are forecast to approach the area on Sunday at around 1am, and it will last until 4pm.

The updated Yellow alert for rain was announced at 10:59am on Friday, October 17.

A Met Office forecast said: “Heavy rain will continue until mid afternoon in some areas, with a further 10-20mm in places. On top of what has already fallen, this may lead to some flooding and transport disruption. The rain will ease from the southwest and then clear later this afternoon.”

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 persistent rain?

What should I do? 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 an updated 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 Sunday.