A severe storm named Claudia is expected to impact Ireland over the upcoming weekend, prompting weather warnings in thirteen counties. The national weather service, Met Éireann, has advised households to assemble a 9-item emergency kit in preparation for the approaching tempest.
The storm is forecasted to arrive on Friday morning, bringing heavy rainfall to southern and eastern regions for approximately 24 hours. Known as Storm Claudia, the weather disturbance, named earlier by the Spanish meteorological service, poses a heightened risk of flooding due to already saturated ground and swollen rivers.
Residents are urged by forecasters to proactively ready themselves for potential flooding, especially in areas like Cork, which is under a 24-hour Status Yellow alert starting Friday morning. The Be Winter Ready campaign recommends creating a flood plan and preparing an emergency kit well in advance to mitigate any impact.
Met Éireann’s suggested emergency kit includes essential items to manage flooding or power outages. Additionally, it is advised to memorize emergency contact numbers, keep important documents in waterproof storage, and secure a safe location for vehicles if needed. Medications should be readily accessible, and preparations should be made to cope with the expected heavy rainfall in Leinster and Munster.
Meteorologist Liz Walsh highlighted the potential for significant rain in parts of Leinster and Munster, emphasizing the importance of caution, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying informed through official channels. An orange rain warning has been issued due to the anticipated accumulations, urging the public to prioritize safety during the storm.