Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Tuesday 6am

End time estimate: Tuesday 3pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Tuesday.

Intense showers are set to impact the region, beginning at approximately 6am on Tuesday and tapering off by 3pm.

The Yellow warning for rain was issued at 10:31am on Saturday, January 24.

A Met Office forecast said: “Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, will spread across Northern Ireland during Tuesday, clearing to showers later in the day. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 15-25 mm widely, with 40-60 mm possible across high ground. With wet conditions leading up to this period the rain will fall onto saturated ground and may be accompanied by strong southeasterly winds, accentuating impacts in places.”

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 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 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 3pm on Tuesday.