Weather alerts issued, with Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice set to bring strong winds

Met Éireann has issued a number of weather warnings for the coming days, with Storm Dudley set to bring strong winds and flooding to some coastal areas, followed by further unsettled weather with the approach of Storm Eunice later in the week.

The national forecaster issued a status orange wind warning for Donegal, where westerly winds associated with Storm Dudley will reach mean speeds of 65-80km/h, with gusts of 100-130km/h. The alert, while due to be updated on Tuesday morning, is valid from 9pm on Wednesday to 9am on Thursday.

Winds will be stronger on exposed coasts and higher ground, according to Met Éireann. A combination of winds and high tides is expected to lead to some coastal flooding.

A second wind warning – status yellow – has been issued for Clare, Donegal, Galway and Mayo. The alert is valid for 24 hours from noon on Wednesday. Areas covered by the second alert will see wind speeds averaging 50-65km/h and gusts of 80-100km/h. Met Éireann predicted some coastal flooding in those areas.

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Met Éireann meteorologist Emer Flood on Monday said: "It's been a fairly quiet year so far but that's all going to change this week as an active jet stream steers several low-pressure systems across Ireland and the UK."

Areas in the north and northwest of the country would experience strong winds, large waves and coastal flooding on Wednesday, said Ms Flood.

“As Storm Dudley clears eastwards on Thursday morning winds will ease for a time, before picking up again on Friday morning as Storm Eunice approaches. We’re keeping a close eye on this Storm as there is the potential for more widespread strong winds across Ireland which may lead to some disruption and damage.”

Along with strong winds, Eunice is expected to bring heavy rain and potentially some snow, according to the meteorologist. Further weather warnings are expected to be issued in the coming days.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued an amber wind warning for Antrim and Derry, valid from Wednesday at 6pm until Thursday at 9am. A status yellow wind warning will also be in place in Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry between 3pm Wednesday and 6pm Thursday.