Met Éireann extends yellow wind warning for Ireland as Storm Dave approaches

Storm is expected to hit at 1pm on Saturday, bringing gales and rainy weather until 2am on Sunday

The full moon illuminates the clouds behind the cross on Bray Head, watched by a man on the summit, in advance of the Easter weekend. Photograph: Naoise Culhane
The full moon illuminates the clouds behind the cross on Bray Head, watched by a man on the summit, in advance of the Easter weekend. Photograph: Naoise Culhane

Met Éireann has extended its high winds warning to the early hours of Sunday morning as the shape of approaching Storm Dave becomes clearer.

A yellow wind warning is now in place for the entire country from 1pm on Saturday afternoon to 2am on Sunday morning.

It may be extended further or upgraded as the storm, which is coming in from the Atlantic, gets closer.

A yellow warning indicates strong to gale force winds, with very strong gusts bringing the potential for fallen trees, damage to property and hazardous driving conditions.

Combined with heavy rain and high tides, Met Éireann is warning of the likelihood of wave overtopping, coastal flooding and spots floods elsewhere.

Western and southern counties are expected to feel the strongest impact. Winds were already at force 6 and 7 off the coasts of Cork and Kerry on Friday morning with the storm still a good distance out in the Atlantic.

The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to the public to stay away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades, particularly during high tide.

Storm Dave to bring strong winds and cold temperatures as Met Éireann issues yellow warningOpens in new window ]

People navigate blustery winds and rain in Dublin city center. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos
People navigate blustery winds and rain in Dublin city center. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Dublin and eastern counties, which bore the brunt of Storm Chandra in January, are expected to escape the worst as the winds are mainly southerly.

However, all parts of the country are on the alert and the National Severe Weather and Flooding Coordination Group, which met on Thursday, is continuing to monitor the situation.

Storm Dave, the fifth named storm of the current season, which began last August, was named by the UK Met Office as the strongest impacts are expected in northern England and Scotland.

Sleet and some heavy snowfalls are forecast in Scotland but there may also be sleet and hail on higher ground in Ireland.

Temperatures on Good Friday and Easter Saturday are expected to be around normal for the time of year but it is likely to turn colder briefly on Sunday as the rain passes and Storm Dave gives way to more gusty, showery conditions.

Met Éireann forecasts ‘mobile Atlantic regime’ to dominate weather over the Easter weekendOpens in new window ]

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter