Ireland: Adverse weather associated with Storm Betty forecast nationwide through at least early Aug. 19

Event

A storm system named Betty by Met Eireann is forecast to bring severe weather across Ireland through at least early Aug. 20. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms are expected over the coming hours, with the most severe weather likely in southern regions. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding and associated disruptions. Strong wind may cause property damage and power outages, as well as generating rough seas in coastal areas.

As of Aug. 18, Met Eireann has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange heavy rain and strong winds warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow counties.

• Yellow heavy rain warnings: Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, and Westmeath counties.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across Leinster and Munster provinces.

Red, orange, and yellow storm warnings have also been issued for coastal waters around Ireland. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port and ferry operations or close beach fronts. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations before travel in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Met Eireann