Met Éireann has updated weather warnings across Ireland ahead of Storm Ashley hitting the country later this weekend.
A status-orange wind warning has been updated to include Clare and Donegal alongside Galway and Mayo, as the first named storm of the season is expected to make landfall on Sunday.
Storm Ashley is forecast to bring strong and gusty southerly winds, with damaging gusts expected as well as high tides.
The national weather agency has warned that winds of up to 120km an hour could hit parts of the country, with the possibility of coastal flooding.
#StormAshley commentary: learn why it’s going to undergo rapid deepening tomorrow, its impacts and how to stay safe during extreme weather, between others.
➡️ Check it in full here : https://t.co/SKjZP0D9Nm pic.twitter.com/L89DUx1IRk— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 18, 2024
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People living in counties Clare, Donegal, Galway and Mayo areas have been warned of large coastal waves, loose objects, fallen trees, difficult travelling conditions, damage to power lines and power outages, as well as damage to already weakened structures.
The warning is in place from Sunday midday until 9pm.
A status-yellow wind warning is in place for the rest of the country from 12am on Sunday until 3am on Monday.
Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Walsh said the storm would bring damaging gusts across the country alongside the risk of coastal flooding.
“We are currently in a period of exceptionally high spring tides, and this, tied in with the strong winds and high waves, will substantially increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts,” she said.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and various other stakeholders met on Friday to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Ashley.
The NDFEM said it will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and will monitor the conditions over the weekend.
Local authority severe weather assessment teams (Swats) will continue to monitor conditions locally and local authorities have their emergency response teams in place.
Keith Leonard, national director of the NDFEM, 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.”
#StormAshley has been named by @MetEireann and is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK through Sunday and into Monday #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/q2DAUhzNbk
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 18, 2024
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advised all road users to take extreme care over the weekend as Met Éireann issued the orange and yellow weather warnings.
The RSA urged drivers to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.
“This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning,” a spokesman said.
“Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility.
“Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.”
