Orange rain warning in effect for Cork, Kerry, Waterford

Updated / Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 06:21

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Two Status Orange rain warnings have been issued for six counties as Storm Austen is set to hit Ireland this evening.

Met Éireann said there could be disruption and delays to public transport, flooding and very difficult travelling conditions as intense rain is forecast.

A Status Orange rain warning will be in effect for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 10pm tonight until 5am tomorrow.

A separate Status Orange rain warning has been issued for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow. This warning will be in operation from 2am tomorrow until 8am.

A Status Yellow warning for wind and rain will also be in effect for all counties from 7pm this evening until 10am tomorrow.

Met Éireann Senior Forecaster Gerry Murphy said the potential for flooding with leaves and blocked drains is "substantial".

"From my flood forecasting colleagues, the water levels in some areas are not quite as high as perhaps some times during the winter... because we are in the autumn still and we have had a dry summer.

"But there is still the potential for some of the smaller river catchments for flooding to occur, and then places where there are leaves possibly gathered and causing blocked drains as well.

"So, in those counties, especially where those Orange level rainfall warnings are, there is certainly the possibility of flooding in some places."

Storm Austen was named by the UK Met Office, as the UK will see the worst impacts of the storm in relation to winds.

The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group met yesterday and said local authorities had activated their severe weather assessment teams in advance of the storm.

"They, along with other stakeholders, are actively preparing for all eventualities and will be ready to respond in any affected areas where needed," the group added.

In a statement, Head of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management Keith Leonard said: "There is the potential for heavy rainfall, particularly in southern and eastern coastal counties.

"Localised flooding is possible, so road users should not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

"Trees remain in full leaf at this time of year, making them more vulnerable to strong winds – motorists should be alert for fallen trees, debris and difficult driving conditions, particularly during Thursday night and Friday's morning commute.

"If you need to drive during the next few days, allow extra time for essential travel."

Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and the meteorological service in the Netherlands, KNMI, launched the list of names for the 2026/27 storm season, with each of the national partners contributing seven names, according to the forecaster.

The name Austen was submitted by Met Éireann.

Austen H Nagle was the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service and worked in the British Meteorological Office from 1927 to 1936.

He later took up a senior post in the United States Weather Bureau.