Storm Austen is set to arrive overnight, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Ireland. Met Éireann has issued weather warnings, with localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and loose debris among the potential impacts.

Here are some steps you can take today to help keep your home and family safe.

What Is Storm Austen Bringing?

Met Éireann has issued weather warnings for Thursday night and Friday morning. 

Status Orange: Rain Warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford 

When: 10pm Thursday to 5am Friday

Intense rainfall may lead to localised flooding. Impacts include disruption and delays to public transport, including rail and bus services, as well as very difficult travelling conditions.

Status Yellow: Rain and Wind Warning for Leinster and Munster

When: 7pm Thursday to 10am Friday

Heavy rain will spread eastwards across the country. Strong easterly winds will turn northwesterly and strengthen further, especially in the south and southeast.

Potential impacts include:

• Difficult travelling conditions
• Possible localised flooding
• Disruption to outdoor events
• Debris and loose objects being displaced
• Fallen trees and branches 

Stay updated on the latest warnings and forecasts by visiting Met Éireann's website. 

How to Protect Your Home Before the Storm

1. Prepare an emergency kit

Keep a torch, spare batteries, drinking water, food and blankets somewhere easy to reach in case of a power cut.

2. Charge your devices

Plug in all mobile phones and power banks so they are fully charged before the storm arrives.

3. Secure your trampoline and garden furniture

Anchor or dismantle your trampoline if it is safe to do so. Store loose garden furniture in a shed or secure it properly so it cannot be blown away.

4. Check your gutters and drains

Clear accessible gutters and drains of leaves or debris that could cause blockages. Avoid climbing ladders in wet or windy conditions.

5. Move your vehicles to a safe location

Where possible, park cars, motorbikes and other vehicles away from large trees and areas where roof tiles or other debris could fall.

6. Close doors and windows

Firmly close and lock all external doors and windows before the weather deteriorates.

7. Know where your mains switches are

Make sure you know where your water, gas and electricity shut-off points are, should you need to turn them off. Only do so if it is safe.

What to Do if Your Home Is at Risk of Flooding

If there are flood warnings in your area or your home is prone to flooding, place sandbags or suitable flood barriers in front of vulnerable doorways. Move electrical equipment, important documents and sentimental belongings upstairs or to a safer location.

If water starts entering your home, turn off your gas, water and electricity supplies only if it is safe to do so. Never enter floodwater to reach a switch or meter.

Check government websites, such as flooding.ie and floodinfo.ie, for advice.

Check Your Home Insurance

Storm damage can happen unexpectedly, so it is worth checking your home insurance policy to understand what's covered.

If you have questions about your cover, contact the Insure My House team on 01 603 2999. We can help you explore your options and find home insurance that suits your needs.

Stay safe and keep an eye on the latest weather updates as Storm Austen approaches.