Five counties under Orange warning during Storm Boelo

Updated / Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 07:48

Storm Boelo is forecast to bring severe wind and rain to the south, southwest and north of Ireland today, with Status Orange weather alerts issued for a number of counties.

A Status Orange rain warning for counties Kerry and Galway came into effect at 7am and will remain valid until 2pm.

Severe winds will impact northern and western counties later in the morning as the storm tracks to the north of the country.

A Status Orange wind warning will come into effect from 2pm for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo, until 9am tomorrow.

In Northern Ireland a Status Amber warning will be in place for counties Derry and Antrim from 9pm this evening to 9pm tomorrow evening.

In Kerry there are fears that the rainfall could lead to flooding as the county had already experienced significant rain during Storm Austen yesterday.

The latest #MeteorologistsCommentary on provides more details on the incoming #StormBoelo (Boo-loh), how it is developing, the associated warnings and expected impacts. 🔗 https://t.co/rcCVOl1CKf #BeEmergencyReady #StaySafe https://t.co/GQfyZLiVY5

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 23, 2026

A Status Yellow wind warning is currently in place for Connacht, Clare, Kerry and Limerick, while much of the southwest, west and north will also face yellow wind and rain warnings throughout the day.

Met Éireann has warned of possible impacts stemming from Storm Boelo, including damage to homes and businesses, disruption and delays to public transport.

Other impacts include difficult travelling conditions, disruption to outdoor events and flooding.

Members of the public have been warned of potentially large coastal waves, dangerous conditions at sea, damage to power lines, power outages and fallen trees.

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Watch: Colman O'Sullivan reports from Met Éireann's forecast office

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Ferry sailings cancelled

Stena Line sailings from Dublin to Holyhead have been cancelled for the rest of today.

The 10am ferries from Holyhead to Dublin will sail but the 4pm and 10.15pm crossings have been cancelled.

Irish Ferries has said that services from Holyhead will also depart early, but the last ferry of the day at 7.30pm is in doubt.

Services from Rosslare to Pembroke at 8.45am is expected to go on time, but the second ferry travelling from Pembroke to Rosslare has been cancelled.

Passengers with bookings are advised to contact the ferry companies.

Heavy rain will impact first

Senior forecaster with Met Éireann Gerry Murphy said Storm Boelo will see heavy rain developing in the west, sweeping quickly across the country, bringing very wet and windy weather throughout the day.

He said that in terms of rainfall, the western counties - and in particular counties Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Clare - could get some very heavy rain from this.

The National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has advised homeowners in the northwest to tie up loose outdoor furniture ahead of the arrival of the storm.

Keith Leonard said the Atlantic seaboard will get more impactful weather over the next day or two, with really strong winds in the northwest.

He said it is always a good idea in advance of storms to charge up mobile phones.

"That is your lifeline in an emergency situation. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 or 112," he said.