Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Friday noon

End time estimate: Saturday 1pm

The Met Office has announced an updated Yellow rain alert for Northern Ireland for Friday and Saturday.

The region should prepare for substantial rainfall, starting on Friday at around noon and continuing until Saturday 1pm.

The updated Yellow warning for rain was issued at 11:26pm on Thursday, October 2.

A Met Office forecast said: “A band of heavy rain associated with Storm Amy will cross Northern Ireland during Friday, followed by blustery showers and then another band of heavy rain overnight. This second band of rain clearing southeastwards during Saturday morning. Accumulations of around 15 mm are possible within 2-3 hours in association with the rain bands, with 20-30 mm expected in total through the warning period. Following rainfall in previous days, this could cause further flooding and some travel disruption. The rain will be accompanied by very strong winds, for which separate warnings have been issued.”

What to expect

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

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. 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. 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 place until 1pm on Saturday.