Ireland braced for rough weather as two storms roll in

The Government’s emergency taskforce for extreme weather, the Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, has warned about the expected impact of two storms likely to hit Ireland over the coming days.

Storm Dudley is predicted to be first to make landfall on Wednesday. Consequently, warnings of storm-force winds and flooding have been issued for the entire island. High winds will persist into Thursday while Friday will usher in Storm Eunice, bringing further high winds, stormy seas and flooding in some coastal regions.

Met Éireann has issued Yellow wind warnings for westerly gusts associated with Storm Dudley to reach average speeds of 50km/h to 65km/h, with damaging gusts of 80km/h to 110km/h and stronger on exposed coasts and high ground.

A combination of high tide and strong winds will trigger flooding on exposed coasts. The warning is valid from midday Wednesday to noon on Thursday.

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Met Éireann also issued a status Yellow marine warning for gales on all coasts and on the Irish Sea from 11am Wednesday to midday Thursday. West to southwest winds, veering west to northwest, will reach Gale Force 8 or strong Gale Force 9 on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea

After a brief respite on Thursday, Storm Eunice will arrive late that night and during Friday. This has the potential for some severe gusts and could mean a fall of snow, said Met Éireann.

Friday is expected to be wet and blustery in the morning, with outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow. Cyclonic winds will become northerly and severe in some parts with stormy conditions possible locally. Sunny spells will develop but it will be showery, with sleet and snow likely.

The weekend is set to be unsettled with strong and blustery westerly winds bringing showers countrywide on Saturday and Sunday. They will be heavy at times, particularly on Sunday along Atlantic coastal counties.

The Government’s crisis management team – comprising representatives of Met Éireann, Office of Public Works, councils, principal response agencies and key departments – will continue to liaise with Met Éireann to monitor the situation. The

All departments and agencies are relaying the public safety messages, aligned with the latest weather warnings issued.

The advice is:

• Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.
• All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.
• People should keep their mobile phones charged.
• Never ever touch or approach fallen wires.