Storm Bram LIVE: Orange wind warning extended nationwide as flooding risk rises
The entire country, except Co Donegal, is now under a status orange wind warning as Storm Bram makes landfall in Ireland.According to Met Éireann, the storm has already brought “very strong to gale-force southerly winds, with the strongest gusts 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, loose objects being displaced, and power outages.Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford have been under an orange wind warning since 7am on Tuesday. The warning is due to lapse at 4pm.As of 11am, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath and all of Connacht have also come under an orange wind warning, with similar impacts expected.The warning is scheduled to lift at 9pm this evening.From 2pm until 9pm, Donegal will also be under an orange wind warning. Flooding on the South Terrace and Georges Quay on Tuesday. Picture: Dan LinehanMet Éireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be “very, very careful.”He told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland: “It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.” He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide on Tuesday morning.The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) warns that Storm Bram's forecast rain is expected to arrive in areas where ground levels are already saturated.#StormBram will bring very windy or stormy conditions to Ireland today.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— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 9, 2025
After weeks of heavy rain, 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 remains a risk nationwide due to current conditions, even in counties with a yellow warning or no warning.Cork's Union Quay closed to traffic as Storm Bram brings an orange weather warning to Ireland’s south coast. Picture: Dan LinehanA yellow wind warning for the entire country has been in place since 6am. Met Éireann says peak winds are “expected to become confined to west and northwest counties later in the day.” The warning remains in place until 9pm on Tuesday.The storm has already caused travel disruption, with 42 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport.The airport warned that further cancellations are possible later today as wind speeds increase.Aer Lingus flights from Cork Airport to Bristol and from Bristol to Cork have also been cancelled.Cork action plan Flooding on Union Quay in Cork on Tuesday morning. Picture: Dan LinehanDue to forecast heavy rainfall and strong winds, Cork City Council has warned of potential flooding in the city centre on Tuesday morning.With high tide due at 8.30am, the council warns of a risk of tidal flooding on low-lying quays between 8am and 9am.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 run-off,” a spokesperson said.The council also advised that high tides may prevent river water from discharging to the sea, which could cause water to back up in river channels and significantly increase the risk of upstream flooding in low-lying areas.Commuters to Cork City have been warned that several road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary at high tide. Traffic diversions will be in place, but delays are likely. The public is advised to monitor Met Éireann updates.'Stay back, stay high, stay dry' As Bram moves across the country, Met Éireann meteorologist Matthew Martin encouraged the public to check forecasts and warnings regularly, as the situation may evolve.“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.”
- additional reporting from PA
