With warm and very humid air sitting across Ireland at the moment this is set to bring unsettled conditions across Ireland on Friday with the risk of a few severe thunderstorms developing in parts which could lead to spot and flash flooding along with frequent lightning strikes leading to power cuts and surges to propertys. 

Worst affected areas at the moment look like it will be mid and west Ulster, east Connacht, the Midlands and mid Munster. These areas are where I expect some of the most severe thunderstorms  and heaviest rainfall rates to occur and cause problems. If you are in the South Tyrone and Fermanagh keep eyes on the sky.

Elsewhere across Ireland further isolated thunderstorms may also develop and could become severe for a time over the day. I will be keeping a eye on this tomorrow with updates running all day on where and when will see thunderstorm over the day.

The reason for these condations is due to a area of low pressure sitting over France which drifts close to Ireland on Friday and over the weekend

Theses are the same sort of conditions which brought severe flooding to parts of Inishowen Donegal and Derry last year along with the Ballybofey and Fintown area.

Continues below

Below shows the latest precipitation charts from the HIRLAM hi resolution model showing where the the heaviest falls of rainfall will be.   

Rainfall amounts in some parts will generally be between 20mm to 35mm with some areas possibly at risk to seen up to 50mm to 60mm in only a very short period of time leading to Flash and spot flooding. Note that some areas may see no activity over the day at all around Ireland and will remain rain free over the day with dry conditions.

Tips on lightning and flooding if you get caught out  

If you manage to get stuck in the middle of a thunderstorm or even flash flooding here are a number of tips to help you out 

Lightning

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms. Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can.

• When thunder roars, go indoors!

• Move from outdoors into a building or car.

• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.

• Do not use landline phones.

• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices. Secure outside furniture.
• If boating or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

Flooding

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.

• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

• Evacuate if told to do so.

• Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.

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