A band of rain will effect parts of the northwest this evening and tonight especially Donegal where a band of heavier rainfall will just sideswipe the county missing other counties. Up to 40mm of rainfall is expected across parts of Donegal this evening and tonight with the risk of flooding due to heavily saturated ground soils in the county.

South and east Donegal will miss the heaviest of the rainfall with between 5mm to 20mm there with west and northwest parts of Donegal most at risk. areas of Gweedore, Bunbeg, Derrybeg, Annagry, Crolly, Kincasslagh, Ranafast, Burtonport, Meenaboy, Falcarragh, Brinlack, Gortahork, Dunlewey & other areas in this general areas could see up to 45mm of rainfall in a short period of time which could lead to flooding especially in flood prone areas.

STRONG WINDS

Strong southwest winds will effect western, northwestern and north coastal counties on Saturday evening, night and on Sunday morning with mean speeds between 50km/hr and 65km/h winds gusting between 70km/hr to 90km/hr and possibly up to 100km/hr along exposed coastal areas and over the mountains.

FLOODING

Given that the ground is already water-logged in certain locations it is possible that some localised surface flooding could occur anywhere within the county.

Heavy rain may overwhelm drains and gullies and property owners / occupiers are being asked to check these for potential blockages.

Motorists are being asked to take extra care while driving during heavy rainfall and to be mindful of the potential risk of spot flooding along the road network.

Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team are keeping the approaching weather pattern under review and will continue to monitor all local conditions during this period of unsettled weather.

Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.

The good news is that rainfall will ease around dawn Sunday morning with dry weather and sunny spells by midday across Donegal and much of Ireland. Temperatures on Sunday will range between 17C to 23C across Ireland with Temperatures across Donegal around 18C to 21C.