ireland: Weather Warnings Expanded to 13 Counties as Flood Risk Intensifies; Schools Urged to Exercise Caution

Weather warnings are now in force across 13 counties through tonight and into Friday, after Met Éireann expanded its alert coverage earlier today amid forecasts of further heavy rainfall.

What initially began as a Status Orange rain warning for Wicklow and Waterford has since been extended to include Dublin and Louth. In addition, Cavan and Meath have been placed under a Status Yellow rain warning, joining Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary and Monaghan.

The warnings, which vary in duration depending on location, come as further rainfall is expected to fall on already saturated ground, significantly increasing the risk of localised flooding across affected areas.

With deteriorating weather conditions raising concerns among parents, questions have also emerged regarding the possibility of school closures on Friday. Addressing these concerns, the Department of Education and Youth said it will continue to provide guidance and support but emphasised that the final decision on school closures rests with individual school management authorities.

Schools have been advised to closely monitor weather conditions and, where uncertainty exists, to “err on the side of caution” in the interests of student and staff safety.

The warning escalation follows a work-from-home appeal issued by the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), the Government body responsible for coordinating responses to severe weather events.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, a Department of Education and Youth spokesperson said the department remains in regular contact with the NECG and will act on any advice issued as conditions evolve.

The department reiterated key guidance for schools, including the need to stay informed of changing weather alerts, rely on advice from principal response agencies, and remain vigilant by following updates from Met Éireann, local authorities, and emergency services. Schools were also reminded of the resources available through the Government’s “Be Winter Ready” campaign, which provides safety guidance linked to colour-coded weather warnings.

Despite the immediate concerns, Met Éireann has offered some reassurance, indicating that conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.

“After the wet conditions on Thursday and Friday, there will be some respite over the weekend,” the national forecaster said. “While showers will persist, there will be longer dry spells, allowing some recovery in the river network.”

However, Met Éireann warned that the risk of flooding remains high in the short term. Heavy rain on Thursday and Friday—particularly in the southeast and east—combined with strong easterly winds and gale-force conditions along eastern coasts, is expected to exacerbate already precarious conditions.

“This follows a week of persistent rainfall, with many rivers at or above bank-full levels and soils saturated nationwide,” the agency said. “As a result, the rainfall forecast for Thursday and Friday is likely to trigger further flooding.”

The risk is further heightened by high spring tides and strong onshore winds, which may lead to wave overtopping and coastal flooding, while also restricting river discharge.

Current Weather Warnings:

• Status Orange (Rain):

  • Waterford: 9am Thursday to 9am Friday

  • Dublin and Wicklow: 12pm Thursday to 3pm Friday

  • Louth: 12pm Thursday to 6pm Friday

• Status Yellow (Rain):

  • Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary: 9am Thursday to 9pm Friday

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert, follow official guidance, and take precautions as weather conditions continue to evolve.