Orange Marine Storm Warning Issued for Storm Austen as Met Éireann Outlines Forecast

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Marine Storm Warning for Storm Austen, with north to northwest winds reaching storm force 10 at times. This is a marine warning, not a land warning.

The Met Éireann marine warning covers the area from Wicklow Head to Dungarvan to Valentia, and the Irish Sea south of Anglesey. It was issued at 08:23 on Wednesday 21 October 2026 and is valid from 21:00 on Thursday 22 October to 07:00 on Friday 23 October.

In its forecast commentary, Met Éireann says Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026/2027 season, has been named by the UK Met Office. The storm is forecast to track past Ireland’s south coast from Thursday evening to Friday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to many areas.

Met Éireann says there is still some uncertainty in the exact track of the storm, which will affect where the heaviest rain and strongest winds occur. It adds that warnings may be updated as new model runs are analysed and confidence in the track increases.

A nationwide Status Yellow rain warning is in place from 19:00 on Thursday 22 October to 08:00 on Friday 23 October. Met Éireann says widespread heavy rain is expected, with the potential for localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and impacts to outdoor events. With ground already saturated, it says intense rainfall will run off quickly, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in built-up and low-lying areas.

Once Storm Austen clears on Friday, Met Éireann says there will be a brief drier interlude before conditions become very unsettled over the weekend. Another area of low pressure is forecast to track to the north of Ireland through Saturday and Sunday, bringing a further spell of rain with the potential for windy conditions.

Met Éireann adds that a period of spring tides is approaching, and combined with windy conditions this may lead to coastal flooding in exposed low-lying areas. The exact impact of that system is not yet clear.

On staying safe, Met Éireann advises people to stay away from coastal areas during the period, and repeats the advice of the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.” It also advises that as little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock a person off their feet, and 300mm can move most cars off the road.

ESB Networks advises the public to stay away from fallen cables and to report them immediately on 1800 372 999. Updates to the warnings are available at met.ie.