Heavy rain with the potential for flash floods is forecast on Monday night as Storm Francis makes landfall.
A status orange warning comes into effect at 9pm on Monday for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. The rest of the country will be under a yellow rainfall warning.
A yellow alert will also be in place on Tuesday morning for strong winds in Munster, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin as Storm Francis moves across the country.
Status Orange Rainfall warning has been issued for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford-
Valid: 21:00 Monday 24/08/2020 to 17:00 Tuesday 25/08/2020
Status Yellow Rainfall and Wind warnings have also been issued https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt pic.twitter.com/4fXLMVZjzB— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) August 24, 2020
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has asked road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next 24 hours following the warnings of heavy rainfall and severe winds.
Road users in areas affected by the orange warning for heavy rain are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.
Drivers are reminded to slow down and leave a bigger space between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions, especially on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
The RSA advises to drive with dipped headlights at all times, and to watch out for falling debris and vehicles veering across on the road. It advises against attempting to drive through flooded road and to drive slowly with a foot on the brake pedal for a short distance after going through water to help dry the brakes.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to wear bright clothing and to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in windy conditions.
🔶Orange Rainfall Warning🔶
📍 Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford
📆 Mon 24- Tues 25
⏰ 9pm- 5pm
Advice for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists ⬇
📖 https://t.co/KavCu0PWL1 #StormFrancis pic.twitter.com/9CCaGTYo9k— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) August 24, 2020
The Coast Guard has advised the public to exercise caution on exposed areas, including along the coast.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed the following national parks and nature reserves to the public following the weather warnings:
- Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
- Derryclare Nature Reserve, Co. Galway
- Knockma Wood, near Tuam, Co. Galway
- Laughil Wood, near Pontoon, Co. Mayo
- Old Head Nature Reserve, Co. Mayo
- Wild Nephin, Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo
- The Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive is advising anyone sleeping rough tonight during the wind and rainfall warning to contact them.
The executive can be reached online or by phone, and says its teams will respond to any reports.
In the North, the UK Met Office has given all counties a yellow warning for rain from Monday night. It is predicting heavy rain during Tuesday and early Wednesday and warns of flooding and disruption to travel.
⚠️Yellow warning for rain⚠️
Valid 0000 Tuesday until 0600 Wednesday
Heavy rain is expected during Tuesday and early Wednesday and is expected to result in some flooding and disruption to travel
More details here https://t.co/6dYE9Gd439
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/33obakrm5S— Met Office (@metoffice) August 24, 2020
The storm comes less than a week after Storm Ellen brought destructive winds and flash flooding to many parts of the country.
