Weather warnings as snow, sleet and strong winds predicted

Met Éireann has issued a status orange wind warning in Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick with strong winds and snow expected on Sunday night.

Outbreaks of rain will turn heavy in some places on Sunday evening and fall as sleet in parts of the north and northeast.

The windy weather is due to develop through the night, with strong to gale-force winds predicted in some areas. Southwesterly winds are predicted to reach average speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts of 110 to 130 km/h on exposed coasts and higher ground.

The strong winds will coincide with high seas along Atlantic coasts which could lead to coastal flooding.

A status yellow warning for snow and ice has also been issue for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal, with a mixture of hail, sleet and snow expected on Sunday night and Monday morning.

Up to 3cm of snow is likely to fall in these areas overnight with temperatures dropping to minus 1 degrees. Snow showers are forecast to continue into Monday morning.

Leinster

The forecaster also issued a status yellow warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford, with high winds expected overnight on Sunday through to Tuesday morning. Southwesterly winds in these areas will reach an average speed of 50 to 65 km/h, with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h.

Similarly, Clare County Council issued a wind and coastal flood warning from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning, with high tides, swell, high seas and strong gale force winds expected along the Atlantic coast.

The local authority issued a warning of coastal flooding and is advising people with properties that have previously suffered flooding damage to take the necessary precautions.

Dublin City Council earlier activated flood defences along the River Dodder and the River Tolka in preparation for the afternoon high tide.

The Council also closed coastal car parks at Clontarf and Sandymount and says it will continue to monitor the situation.