Weather Warnings in Effect for 18 Irish Counties Amidst Flooding Concerns

A series of Status Yellow weather warnings for wind, rain and snow are currently in effect across 18 counties in Ireland, prompting concerns about demanding travel conditions and potential flooding. Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, has issued the alerts, urging the public to exercise caution.

Rain Warnings

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been in place since 11 PM on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, and remains valid for a 24-hour period. The affected counties include Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, and all of Leinster. Met Éireann warns that rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels, will likely lead to flooding in some areas, with poor visibility creating challenging travel conditions Irish Mirror.

Wind Warnings

A Status Yellow wind warning is likewise active since 11 PM on February 17th for counties Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Meath, and Louth. The forecaster anticipates strong and gusty winds, coupled with high tides, potentially causing fallen trees, wave overtopping, and difficult travel Irish Mirror.

Rain/Snow Warning

In the northwest, a Status Yellow Rain/Snow warning came into effect overnight for Donegal and will remain in place until 2 PM on Wednesday, February 18th. Met Éireann cautions that heavy rain may turn to sleet or snow Irish Mirror.

National Flood Risk

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has stated that the entire country is vulnerable to flooding over the next 24 hours. The NDFEM urges the public to remain alert, as conditions can change rapidly, and even small amounts of rain could have significant impacts in areas with high river levels or saturated ground Irish Mirror.

Local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are actively responding in affected areas, and road closures due to flooding may be necessary. Motorists are advised to follow all traffic instructions and exercise extreme caution although traveling during heavy rain Irish Mirror.

Northern Ireland Warnings

The UK Met Office has issued a Status Yellow rain and snow warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry in Northern Ireland. This warning is in effect from 4 AM today, February 18th, and will expire at 8 PM tonight. The Met Office warns that outbreaks of rain, hill snow, and strong winds may disrupt travel Irish Mirror.

For the latest weather updates, please refer to Met Éireann and RTÉ Weather.