National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group meet in advance of Storm Austen

From: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Published on: 22 October 2026

Last updated on: 22 October 2026

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened another meeting of the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group this afternoon, with Storm Austen forecast to track to the south of Ireland this evening and into Friday. A second weather event, Storm Boelo, is expected to quickly follow over the weekend and its progress is being monitored.

The meeting allowed Met Éireann to update stakeholders on the latest forecast, which continues to predict heavy rain and strong winds across much of the country – particularly in southern and eastern areas. 

Orange rain warnings remain in place for six counties, with intense rain and flooding expected in those areas. The east, southeast, south and southwest are particularly at risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall Thursday into Friday associated with Storm Austen, and the expected heavy rainfall Saturday into Sunday associated with Storm Boelo.

Small, mountainous, upland, and urban catchments are at the greatest risk, as they will respond quickly to the higher intensity rainfall. Rivers in the east, southeast, south, and southwest — which include Ballyteigue-Bannow, Barrow, Colligan-Mahon, Liffey and Dublin Bay, Ovoca-Vartry, Owenavorragh, Slaney & Wexford Harbour, Blackwater, Lee, Cork Harbour & Youghal Bay, Suir, Nore, Bandon-Ilen, Dunmanus-Bantry-Kenamare, Laune-Maine-Dingle Bay, & Tralee Bay-Feale — are likely to experience river level increases that may lead to out-of-bank flooding.

Wind speeds will also be high in the south, east and midlands, and a yellow rain and wind warning will be in place for Leinster and Munster.

Met Éireann also confirmed that a second storm – Storm Boelo – will affect Ireland’s weather over the bank holiday weekend. Current forecasts suggest this storm will track to the northwest of the country, bringing strong winds to the north and west as well as heavy rain for the west and south west. These winds combined with the high tides, storm surge and high waves, may lead to wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying areas, as well as river flooding.

Local Authorities have activated their severe weather assessment teams in advance of the storms and continue to make the necessary preparations. All stakeholders will be ready to respond in any affected areas where needed. 

Speaking ahead of the arrival of Storm Austen the Head of the NDFEM, Keith Leonard, emphasised:

“With two weather events now expected, local response teams will be very busy throughout the bank holiday weekend. We will continue to monitor the impact of Storm Austen – and Storm Boelo as it follows on – and the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group will meet daily throughout the next few days to ensure the most effective response to any developments arising from the challenging weather conditions.”

Public safety advice

• Secure any loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and temporary structures before Thursday evening.
• Stay informed through Met Éireann and local authority channels, and adjust your travel plans if necessary.
• Motorists should be alert for fallen trees, debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during Thursday night and Friday's morning commute.
• Never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
• Allow extra time for essential travel.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
• Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.
• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
• Check with transport operators when planning journeys.
• Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
• The high winds could also cause hazards around coastal edges, and the Irish Coast Guard advice is clear: ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.’

Forecast and Weather warnings

Status Yellow Rain & Wind warning for Leinster & Munster: 7pm Thursday – 10am Friday.
Orange rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford: 10pm Thursday – 5am Friday.
Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford: 2am – 8am Friday 

Potential impacts:

• Difficult travelling conditions
• Localised flooding possible in Yellow warning areas
• Flooding expected in Orange warning areas 
• Outdoor events impacted
• Debris, loose objects displaced
• Some fallen trees and branches
• Disruption and delays to public transport

The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group will continue to meet over the coming days and is monitoring the emerging weekend forecast.  

Members of the public can access practical and helpful information on emergency preparedness at gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady