Local response teams preparing for challenging conditions in affected counties

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and relevant agencies met again this morning to discuss the arrival of Storm Amy which will affect Ireland’s weather today, tonight and into Saturday.

Met Éireann is predicting strong winds up to gale force in some cases and heavy rain across the country, which could lead to localised flooding, travel disruption, fallen trees and possible power outages.

Met Éireann is advising the persistent and heavy rain will fall on already saturated grounds, with river levels increasing. There is significant risk of flooding in the southwest particularly in mountainous areas of Kerry, west Cork and west Limerick and across counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, and Roscommon, due to the heavy and persistent rainfall of Thursday and Friday. Smaller upland and urban catchments in the South-West, West and North-West are at the greatest risk of flooding, as mountainous areas are currently forecast to see the greater rainfall accumulations (potential for 80-100 mm in 48h).

Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place

Status Orange Winds Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo. Near gale force to gale force and very gusty southwest to west winds, damage to power lines and possible power outages, very difficult travelling conditions and possible wave overtopping. Valid from Friday 3/10/2025 14:00 to Friday 3/10/2025 22:00.

Status Yellow Rainfall in place for Galway and Kerry. Further spells of heavy rain with flooding and difficult travelling conditions. Valid Friday 3/10/2025 09:00 to Friday 3/10/2025 15:00.

Status Yellow for the whole country. Strong to near gale force westerly winds for a time, difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees possible. Valid: 12:00 Friday 03/10/2025 to Midnight.

Saturday Warnings

Status Yellow - Wind warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway, Mayo. Strong to near gale force westerly winds continuing. Possible impacts difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees possible. Valid: 00:01 Saturday 04/10/2025 to 12:00 Saturday 04/10/2025.

Status Yellow - Wind and Rain warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo. Strong to near gale force westerly winds continuing with spells of heavy rain. Possible Impacts, localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees possible. Valid: 00:00 Saturday 04/10/2025 to 12:00 Saturday 04/10/2025.

Status Yellow - Wind warning for Dublin, Louth, Wicklow. Strong to near gale force westerly winds for a time. Possible Impacts: Difficult travelling conditions debris, loose objects displaced, some fallen trees possible. Valid: 06:00 Saturday 04/10/2025 to 12:00 Saturday 04/10/2025

The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response. On the ground, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised:

“Some areas have already experienced the effects of Storm Amy and as we move through the day and into the night the challenging weather conditions will be felt in many counties. Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and continue to prepare for the storm’s arrival and the aftermath.

“For those in areas affected, my advice continues to be that they pay attention to their local conditions and members of the public should monitor Met Éireann’s ongoing advice and act accordingly. Even after the storm has passed, there is a possibility of road flooding or fallen trees so drivers are urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.

“For all members of the public, whatever part of the country you are in, rain and winds will be a factor overnight and early tomorrow. I would urge you to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.

The NDFEM will continue to meet throughout this period.

Further public safety advice includes:

· Orange warnings; the public are advised in those orange areas, to limit travel to essential journeys and shelter in place as much as possible. Essential services operators will continue to operate subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.

· If travel is necessary, take additional care when driving and lookout for pedestrians and cyclists

· The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging gusts, be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and power lines.

· High seas; the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.

· There is a potential for wave overtopping and tidal flooding in low-lying, exposed Atlantic coastal areas. In addition to this, the Storm Amy may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised surface flooding, which may prevail into Saturday.

· The Electricity network may be impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

· Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.

· ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. In regards to power restoration times.

· Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie

ENDS