UK, Ireland: Storm Agnes to bring adverse weather across Ireland and the UK through at least Sept. 29

Event

Adverse weather associated with Storm Agnes is forecast to affect most of Ireland and the UK through at least Sept. 29. Storm Agnes is forecast to track northeastward over Ireland Sept. 27 before impacting Ireland and the UK through at least Sept. 29. Strong winds may be accompanied in places by heavy rainfall and possible flooding.

As of early Sept. 27, Met Eireann has issued the following warnings across Ireland:

• Orange wind warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford counties Sept. 27

• Orange rain warning: Cork, Kerry, and Waterford counties Sept. 27

• Orange storm warning: from Carnsore Point to Roche's Point to Loop Head Sept. 27

• Yellow rain warning: Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Waterford counties Sept. 27

• Yellow wind warning: Leinster, Munster, and Galway Sept. 27

• Yellow gale warning: all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea Sept. 27

• Small craft warning: all coasts of Ireland Sept. 28 and from Valentia to Bloody Foreland to Carlingford Lough Sept. 29

The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings across the UK:

• Yellow wind warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and western, northern, and central England Sept. 27-28

• Yellow rain warnings: Central, Tayside, and Fife, Grampian, Southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Strathclyde Sept. 27

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

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 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 or landslides impact utility networks.

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. 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, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations before traveling in affected areas. 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
Met Office UK
Scottish Environment and Protection Agency Flood Updates
Environment Agency England Flood Alerts
Natural Resources Wales Flood Warnings