A rapidly deepening Atlantic low, named Storm Bram, is forecast to pass close to the western coasts of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Outer Hebrides on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, bringing very strong southerly winds, heavy rain and exceptionally high seas. The system forms part of an active North Atlantic storm train linked to recent Polar Vortex disruption.
Satellite image of Storm Bram at 13:50 UTC on December 8, 2025. Credit: EUMESAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Severe marine and coastal conditions are forecast along the western seaboard of Ireland and into waters west of Scotland as storm Bram moves northeast from the Bay of Biscay on December 9.
Forecast analyses indicate rapid deepening, with central pressure expected to fall to about 950–955 hPa as the system approaches the eastern North Atlantic.
Peak wind gusts of 150–180 km/h (90–110 mph) along exposed Atlantic coasts of western Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Outer Hebrides.
Very high waves, storm surges near high tide, and heavy, locally intense rainfall are expected. Marine zones west of Ireland are forecast to reach violent storm force, resulting in hazardous seas for shipping and offshore operations.
Saturated soils in western Ireland combined with heavy rainfall increase the risk of surface-water and river flooding, coastal overtopping at high tides, and wind damage to exposed infrastructure. Localized power outages, fallen trees, and damage to unsecured coastal assets are possible where gusts are strongest.
Video credit: Tropical Tidbits “It’s looking increasingly likely that Ireland will experience some very inclement weather from Monday night and through Tuesday,” Met Éireann meteorologist Matthew Martin said. “Initially, there will be a spell of heavy rain before a swathe of very strong winds develop. There remains some uncertainty in the track and intensity of the system, but it looks likely that this will be an impactful event in some areas, especially in coastal areas of the south, west and northwest.”
Met Eireann has issued a yellow wind warning for the entire country, followed by a set of orange wind warnings for southern and western coastal counties, as they are most vulnerable to the compound effects of the wind at high tide.
A yellow rainfall warning was also issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford.
“We encourage everyone to check in regularly with Met Éireann’s forecasts and warnings, as the situation is likely to evolve with certainty in the system track and timings increase,” Martin said.
Storm Bram will bring a very wet and windy spell of weather, UK Met Office Chief Forecaster Dan Suri said, adding that very strong winds and heavy rain falling over saturated ground could lead to flooding impacts.
Within the amber wind warning area over northwest Scotland, gusts of up to 145 km/h (90 mph) are possible. More broadly, gusts of 80–95 km/h (50–60 mph), and locally up to 110 km/h (70 mph), are expected across Wales, southwest England, and Northern Ireland.
Suri said rainfall is an additional concern, with totals possibly reaching 100 mm (3.9 inches) over higher ground in south Wales and parts of Devon. He added that this may require updates to existing warnings and stressed the importance of staying informed about local forecasts and flood advisories from relevant agencies.
“We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain forecast through today (Monday) and overnight, particularly across parts of south Wales,” Charlotte Morgan, Natural Resources Wales’s Duty Tactical Manager, said.
“With some rivers already swollen and ground conditions saturated, we expect multiple flood alerts and warnings to be issued. We are urging people to remain vigilant and prepare for potential flooding now.”
“If flooding is forecast in your area, make sure you take steps to keep yourself safe. Consider preparing a flood kit with essential documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground, and relocating important possessions upstairs or to a higher level.”
The storm is associated with the disrupted polar vortex that brought rounds of arctic air to the northern U.S. This pattern has maintained a strong zonal jet stream, supporting a sequence of intense Atlantic storms.
Maritime operators and coastal authorities are advised to prepare for high-impact conditions by suspending vulnerable marine operations, securing loose items and anticipating travel disruption on exposed coastal routes. Residents in low-lying and coastal areas are advised to monitor official advisories and tidal forecasts as Bram approaches.
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