Storm Bram: Orange wind warning in effect with severe gusts and flooding expected
Meanwhile, a pair of yellow warnings, issued on Monday, also remain in place. File Picture
A status orange wind warning is now in place for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Carlow as Storm Bram makes landfall in Ireland
According to Met Éireann, the storm will "bring very strong to gale force southerly winds with the strongest winds along the coast".
The forecaster says there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas during high tide, as well as wave overtopping, debris, displaced loose objects and power outages.
The warning will remain in place until 3pm on Tuesday.
From 11am, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, and all of Connacht will also be under an orange wind warning, with the same impacts likely.
This warning is currently set to lift at 9pm this evening. Donegal will also be under an orange wind warning from 2pm until 9pm.
#StormBram will bring very windy or stormy conditions to Ireland today.
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025
Southerly winds, veering westerly through the day, will be very strong to gale force, with some damaging gusts also expected⚠️
Persistent & heavy rain at first will gradually clear to scattered showers☔️ pic.twitter.com/eKw5gUeeiR
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has warned Storm Bram's forecast rain is expected to arrive in areas where ground levels are already saturated.
Due to significant rainfall in recent weeks, many rivers are already at capacity.
"This brings a significant risk of flooding, particularly in Munster and coastal counties, where the timing of high tides may coincide with strong winds, creating a further risk of flooding," the NDFEM said.
The public is reminded that flooding is a risk for all areas due to the current conditions, and even counties with a yellow weather warning or no weather warning will remain at risk of flooding.
Meanwhile, a pair of yellow warnings issued on Monday remain in place.
The first, a yellow rain warning affecting Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford, has been in place since 9pm last night.
Between now and the time the warning lifts at 9am, Met Éireann says there remains a risk of further heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, as well as river flooding, surface water and difficult travel conditions.
Finally, a yellow wind warning, valid for the entire country, has been in place since 6am. Met Éireann says the peak winds are "expected to become confined to west and northwest counties later in the day". The warning will remain in place until 9pm on Tuesday.
Due to the forecasted heavy rainfall and significant winds, Cork City Council has warned of potential flooding in the city centre on Tuesday morning.
With high tide expected at 8.30am, the local authority has warned there is a risk of tidal flooding on low lying quays between 8am and 9am on Tuesday morning.
Cork County Council has also warned of both river and coastal flooding, saying many rivers are already “approaching bank full conditions” after prolonged rainfall. “Soils are waterlogged, thereby increasing the likelihood of rainfall runoff,” a spokesperson said.
The local authority also advised high tides may prevent river water from discharging to the sea, "potentially causing water to back up within river channels and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas".
Commuters to Cork City have been warned by Cork City Council that a number of road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary at high tide. Traffic diversions will be in place, but there may be delays and journeys may take longer. The public is advised to monitor Met Éireann for updates.
As Bram moves across the country, Met Éireann meteorologist Matthew Martin encouraged the public to check in regularly with Met Éireann’s forecasts and warnings, as the situation may evolve as confidence in the system’s track and timing increases.
“Flooding impacts are expected as the rain will fall on already saturated ground and many rivers are currently approaching bank full conditions. We are in a period of high astronomical tides, which will coincide with the strong, potentially onshore winds, so there is high risk of coastal flooding," he added.
"We echo the well-known advice of the Irish Coast Guard: 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry'.
"The high tides will prevent the rivers from discharging to the sea, significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas. People should refer to the guidance of their local authorities and emergency responders in their area.”
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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