Storm Austens and Boelo threaten Ireland this weekend
Authorities convened to coordinate responses as Storm Austen approaches Ireland, bringing severe rain and wind. A second storm, Boelo, is expected to follow, threatening widespread flooding and disruption over the bank holiday weekend across southern and eastern regions.
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The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group once again to prepare for the imminent arrival of Storm Austen, predicted to pass south of Ireland this evening and persist into Friday. Following closely behind, Storm Boelo is anticipated to impact the country over the bank holiday weekend, prompting ongoing surveillance by meteorological and emergency services.
Met Éireann provided vital updates, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds mainly affecting southern and eastern counties. Orange rain warnings have been issued for six counties, signalling intense precipitation and a significant risk of flooding, particularly in urban, upland, and small mountainous catchments which react quickly to heavy downpours. Rivers across the east, southeast, south, and southwest—including the Liffey, Lee, Slaney, and others—are expected to rise, potentially breaching their banks.
Wind warnings have also been put in place for Leinster and Munster, with gusts anticipated to be strong in the south, east, and midlands. Storm Boelo is forecast to track northwest, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to western and northern coastal areas, where the combination of high tides, storm surge, and waves may cause coastal flooding. Local authorities have activated their severe weather teams and are on standby to respond as conditions develop. Keith Leonard, Head of NDFEM, stressed the intensity of the weekend ahead, highlighting continuous monitoring and daily coordination to manage the risks posed by these consecutive storms.
Key warnings:
Status Yellow rain and wind warning for Leinster and Munster: 7pm Thursday – 10am Friday
Orange rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford: 10pm Thursday – 5am Friday
Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford: 2am – 8am Friday
The public is urged to stay informed and prepared by visiting gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady for comprehensive guidance on emergency readiness.
Met Éireann provided vital updates, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds mainly affecting southern and eastern counties. Orange rain warnings have been issued for six counties, signalling intense precipitation and a significant risk of flooding, particularly in urban, upland, and small mountainous catchments which react quickly to heavy downpours. Rivers across the east, southeast, south, and southwest—including the Liffey, Lee, Slaney, and others—are expected to rise, potentially breaching their banks.
Wind warnings have also been put in place for Leinster and Munster, with gusts anticipated to be strong in the south, east, and midlands. Storm Boelo is forecast to track northwest, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to western and northern coastal areas, where the combination of high tides, storm surge, and waves may cause coastal flooding. Local authorities have activated their severe weather teams and are on standby to respond as conditions develop. Keith Leonard, Head of NDFEM, stressed the intensity of the weekend ahead, highlighting continuous monitoring and daily coordination to manage the risks posed by these consecutive storms.
Key warnings:
The public is urged to stay informed and prepared by visiting gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady for comprehensive guidance on emergency readiness.
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