Warning: Yellow

To expect: Rain

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Saturday 9pm

End time estimate: Sunday 9pm

The Met Office has issued a Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland until Sunday night.

Intense showers are set to impact the region, beginning at around 9pm on Saturday and dying out by 9pm on Sunday.

The Yellow alert for rain was issued at 10:41am on Saturday, January 10.

A Met Office forecast said: “Rain will spread from the west across Northern Ireland during Saturday evening. A drier interlude is likely for a time on Sunday morning, before further heavy rain moves through later on Sunday. 20-30 mm could accumulate quite widely during this period, with totals of 40-60 mm possible over higher ground. Additionally, it will turn much milder, leading to the melting of lying snow and thus increasing the potential for some flooding impacts in places.”

What to expect

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 possible.

What should you do during heavy 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 9pm on Sunday.