Warning of record waves off west

The west coast may experience the highest waves in years this weekend, the Marine Institute has warned.

The institute and Met Éireann have warned the conditions, particularly tomorrow afternoon, will be hazardous to ships and fishing vessels, and those walking close to the shoreline, or fishing from the shore in exposed areas.

Waves of up to 14 metres in height are predicted off the west coast tomorrow afternoon. The last time waves of this size were recorded was on January 17th, 2005.

"Similar conditions could occur this weekend if the weather systems develop as predicted," the Marine Institute said.

"When a broad area of very low pressure sits in the Atlantic to the north of Ireland, as will happen on this Friday and Saturday, waves are able to build over a considerable distance - which could lead to these extreme waves arriving in Irish waters."

Met Éireann issued a gale warning at 4am that southwest winds will reach gale force today on coasts from Fair Head to Carnsore Point to Valentia and the Irish Sea. It also said westerly gales or strong gales will develop tonight on all Irish coastal waters.

The Coast Guard this afternoon warned members of the public near the southwest, west and northwest coasts.

"The public is advised not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas," it said in a statement.

"The combination of tides, the forecasted gale warning and high seas conditions and swollen rivers may result in very dangerous conditions on the coast."