Orange rainfall warning – Important update for our patients, visitors and staff

14th November 2025

Met Éireann has issued an Orange Rainfall Warning for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, in effect from 12.00 today (Friday) until 08.00 tomorrow morning (Saturday, 15 November). This period of heavy and persistent rain may lead to significant flooding, especially in areas already affected by rainfall earlier this week.

SVUH remains open and operational. Our teams are monitoring conditions closely to support patients, visitors and staff throughout this weather event.

Important information for our Patients and Visitors

Travel and access

• Please allow extra time for your journey to and from the hospital.
• Road conditions may be hazardous, with surface water, debris and reduced visibility likely.
• If you encounter a flooded road, do not drive through it – turn back and take an alternative route.
• Exercise care when walking outdoors. Paths may be slippery or waterlogged.

Public transport

• Bus, rail and Luas services may experience delays, diversions or cancellations due to flooding on key routes.
• Please check the latest updates from Dublin Bus, GoAhead, Irish Rail and Luas before travelling.
• Allow additional time for connections or transfers.
• If you cannot attend an appointment due to weather conditions, please contact your clinic once it is safe to do so.

If you cannot attend an appointment due to weather conditions, please contact your clinic.

Guidance for staff

• Please allow additional travel time and assess local conditions before leaving home.
• Public transport disruption may affect arrival times; if significantly delayed, please notify your line manager.
• Be aware of possible delays due to road closures, surface flooding or poor visibility.
• Dynamic risk assessments should be used today and tomorrow as conditions evolve.

Hospital operations teams continue to monitor:

• Access routes
• Potential water ingress in vulnerable areas
• Power and communications systems
• Ambulance access and patient transfer pathways

Public safety messages (Met Éireann / NDFEM)

• Significant flooding is possible across parts of Leinster and Munster from today into the weekend.
• Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and canal paths – banks can collapse without warning.
• Do not walk through floodwater – as little as a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Avoid contact with floodwater; it may contain sewage, chemicals or sharp debris.
• Slow down on the roads, increase stopping distance, and watch for debris.
• Follow all guidance from emergency services and your local authority.
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged in case of disruption.
• ESB Networks advises everyone to stay away from fallen power lines.
  • Report issues immediately to ESB Emergency Services: 1800 372 999
  • Power updates: PowerCheck.ie

Latest updates

Warnings can change at short notice.
For the most up-to-date information:

• Met Éireann: met.ie
• Local authority updates and emergency alerts
• Met Éireann Duty Forecaster (24/7): 01 806 4255

SVUH will continue to monitor conditions closely and will issue updates if required.
Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all patients, visitors and staff.

Thank you. Stay safe.