Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Saturday midnight

End time estimate: Saturday noon

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland for Saturday, with conditions linked to Storm Claudia.

Intense rain is forecast for the region, expected to start at approximately midnight on Saturday and lasting until noon.

The Yellow alert for rain was announced at 10:31am on Friday, November 14.

A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Claudia, previously named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, will bring rain north through Friday evening and night, before slowly easing through Saturday morning. Strong easterly winds will accompany this rain. Accumulations of 10-20 mm are expected fairly widely, with potentially in excess of 40 mm over the Mourne mountains. This, following recent wet weather, is likely to lead to some surface water and river flooding impacts.”

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 likely.

What should you do during persistent rain?

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 place until noon on Saturday.