Entire country at risk of flooding, emergency management body warns

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026 - 18:15

Neil Michael and Cillian Sherlock

The whole of Ireland is at risk of flooding, according to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), with weather warnings applying to 18 counties.

A spell of heavy rainfall overnight from Tuesday and throughout Wednesday will be falling on already saturated ground and rivers close to bursting banks.

Met Éireann has issued several yellow-level warnings in which members of the public were told there is a flood risk in 17 counties.

However, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management said: “Flooding is a risk across the country due to the current conditions.

It said that following recent rainfall, many rivers remain “close to or above bankfull” levels.

“Whether or not a yellow rain warning is in place for a county, all areas will remain at risk of flooding.”

They urged the public to remain alert.

“The situation can change very quickly and even small amounts of rain could result in significant impacts in areas where river levels are high, or where the ground is already saturated,” they warned.

On Tuesday morning, Met Éireann issued a yellow warning for rain applying to all of Leinster as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.

The warning will be in effect between 11pm on Tuesday and 11pm on Wednesday.

It is a significant expansion of the advisory which was first announced on Monday.

The forecasting agency said there is a risk of flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions in these areas, which are also experiencing high river levels.

The inclement conditions will be exacerbated by strong and gusty south-easterly winds in five of these counties.

Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Louth and Dublin will also be under a yellow warning for wind, with Met Éireann also cautioning against wave overtopping amid high tides.

The wind warning is between 11pm on Tuesday and 1pm on Wednesday.

The double warning applies to areas in the east of the country which have been severely affected by flooding in recent weeks.

A third yellow warning for rain applies to Donegal between 2am and 2pm on Wednesday, with Met Éireann warning that falls of sleet and snow are possible.

Some wintry precipitation is also possible over high ground in Wicklow.

Local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will respond in affected areas, and some roads may have to close due to flooding.

Motorists should follow all traffic instructions in place.

“Driving during heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times,” they added.

The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann, local authorities and key stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate the appropriate response.

They also warned motorists not to bypass “road closed” signs as “damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk”.

Drivers should not attempt to drive through floodwater but instead turn back and use an alternative route.

The body also warned motorists to expect “surface water, debris and poor visibility” and urged motorists and pedestrians to stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals, as water levels may rise quickly.

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