Met Eireann warns residents in 2 areas to prepare 9 item 'emergency' kit

Irish Daily Mirror

18-07-2025

People in parts of Ireland are being urged to take precautionary measures this weekend, as a fresh weather warning signals the return of hazardous weather conditions.
Met Eireann has issued an early Status Yellow rain alert for two counties, with the potential for torrential downpours, spot flooding and even isolated thunderstorms.
The 24-hour warning kicks in at 10am on Saturday and remains in effect until 10am Sunday, covering the counties of Cork and Kerry. Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, with heavy rainfall and challenging travel conditions likely across the southwest.
The national forecaster said: "Spells of heavy rain with possible isolated thunderstorms. Possible impacts include spot flooding, poor visibility and difficult travel conditions".
The rainfall thresholds that trigger a Status Yellow warning include: 20mm to 30mm in 6 hours or less, 30mm to 40mm in 12 hours or less, and 30mm to 50mm in 24 hours.
Saturday is set to begin mostly dry, but Met Eireann has warned that showers and longer spells of rain will develop during the morning in the southwest. These will slowly spread across Munster and into south Leinster and Connacht later in the day "with spot flooding possible and with a chance of isolated thunderstorms, especially in the southwest".
The day will feel humid and warm with temperatures ranging from 16C to 21C in moderate to fresh southeast winds. However, that warmth may contribute to thunderstorm activity, particularly in the two counties under weather warnings.
Rain will continue into Saturday night, spreading further north while southern parts may begin to see drier conditions by early morning. Nighttime lows will drop to between 10C and 15C.
With large volumes of rain forecast and ground conditions already saturated in parts, the national forecaster has urged residents in affected counties to be proactive and prepare for the possibility of flooding.
Its Be Winter Ready campaign advises households in high-risk areas to have a flood plan in place and to prepare an 'emergency' kit in advance.
The advice states: "If you do live in an area at risk of flooding, you may be able to lessen the impact of a flood by taking the time to prepare in advance. Make a flood plan for your family or business so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a flood. Make up a flood kit and ensure that everyone knows where to find it. Practice your flood plan. Ensure that everyone knows what has to be done and what is safe."
Met Eireann recommends that a household emergency flood kit should include the following 9 key items: Torch
Warm and waterproof clothing
Battery-powered or wind-up radio
Charged mobile phone
Rubber gloves
Rubber boots
First aid kit
Blankets
Children's essentials, if required
Other important flood preparation tips, according to the Be Winter Ready document, include knowing emergency numbers and keeping a printed list handy. It's also essential to store valuable documents, such as passports and insurance policies, in waterproof containers to protect them from damage.
Make a list of your most valuable possessions and be sure you know exactly where they are kept so you can move them quickly if needed. Familiarise yourself with how to shut off your gas and electricity.
If possible, prearrange a safe spot where you can move your car, if you have time. Lastly, keep any necessary medication close at hand to ensure it's accessible in an emergency.
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