Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Wednesday 3am

End time estimate: Wednesday 10pm

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Wednesday.

Intense showers are set to hit the region, beginning at around 3am on Wednesday and dying out by 10pm.

The updated Yellow alert for rain was announced at 10:58am on Tuesday, April 15.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain is expected to continue, heavy at times, and lasting for much of Wednesday. Most areas within the warning will see 20-30 mm of rain, but a few spots could see 50-60 mm particularly over the high ground of Antrim, Down and Londonderry. Rain will ease from the west Wednesday evening.”

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; Perhaps some interruption to power supplies and other services.

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 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 10pm on Wednesday.