Met Office issues thunderstorm warning for Northern Ireland with possible flooding and travel disruption risk

Motorists and residents across Northern Ireland are being urged to prepare for potentially disruptive weather this afternoon after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms covering all six counties.

The warning comes into effect from 12pm today (Tuesday, June 30) and remains in place until 6pm, with forecasters warning that slow-moving thunderstorms could bring localised flooding, hazardous driving conditions and disruption to travel.

The alert covers County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Londonderry and County Tyrone, with communities across the region potentially affected by intense downpours developing during the afternoon.

Heavy downpours could bring flooding risk

According to the Met Office, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop widely across Northern Ireland following overnight rainfall.

While many areas may experience only brief periods of rain, forecasters say some thunderstorms could become slow-moving, increasing the risk of large amounts of rainfall accumulating over a short period of time.

Rainfall totals of 10-15mm in less than an hour are considered likely in some locations, while isolated areas could see 25-30mm fall within two to three hours.

Such intense rainfall has the potential to overwhelm drains and surface water systems, leading to temporary flooding in low-lying areas and on roads.

Drivers urged to take extra care

The Met Office has warned that difficult driving conditions may develop during the heaviest downpours, particularly where standing water forms quickly on roads.

Reduced visibility, spray from vehicles and sudden surface water flooding can all increase the risk of incidents during thunderstorms.

Hail and lightning are also expected to accompany the most intense showers, adding to the hazards for anyone travelling during the warning period.

Warning covers much of Northern Ireland

The yellow weather warning applies to:

• County Antrim

• County Armagh

• County Down

• County Londonderry

• County Tyrone

A Met Office spokesperson said:

“Following overnight rain, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of Northern Ireland.

“These showers and thunderstorms will become slow-moving for a time this afternoon, leading to the potential for some large rainfall accumulations to build up in a few places.

“10-15 mm of rain likely in less than an hour for some, and perhaps 25-30 mm in 2-3 hours. This could cause some temporary flooding and difficult driving conditions. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards in the heaviest showers.”

What happens next

The warning is due to expire at 6pm on Tuesday evening, although local weather conditions may continue to vary significantly from one area to another.

With thunderstorms often highly localised in nature, some communities may escape with little more than a passing shower while others could experience heavy rainfall, flooding and disruption within a relatively short distance.