Weather Warnings For Country As Four Counties Upgraded To Orange Level

Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, will bring very strong and gusty south to southwest winds, coupled with high spring tides.

Met Éireann has warned of possible coastal flooding, large coastal waves, loose objects displaced and fallen trees.

The forecaster also said that very difficult travelling conditions are to be expected along with dangerous conditions at sea.

Damage to power lines, power outages and damage to already weakened structures are also possible.

A Status Yellow Wind Warning will come into effect for the entire country from midnight tonight until 3am Monday.

A Status Yellow Rain Warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Waterford will also come into effect from midnight tonight until 9am Sunday.

Possible impacts include spot flooding and travel disruption.

Several marine warnings are also announced.

A Status Orange Storm Warning from Valentia to Erris Head to Malin Head will be in effect between 10am and 7pm on Sunday.

Southwest winds will reach storm force 10.

There is also a Status Yellow Gale Warning for all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea beginning at midnight tonight and lasting 24 hours.

Southeast winds, veering southwest will increase to gale force 8 or strong gale force 9.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said:

“I would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.’

“Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.

“There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in Southern and Western counties. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.”