Country braces for weather assault

Met Éireann is expected to issue a red alert as gale force winds of up to 130km/h, high tides, rain, sleet, hail, and thunder hit the country this weekend.

Local authorities — especially along the Atlantic seaboard — are putting in place contingency plans ahead of the first band of adverse weather which will dump up to 40mm of rain today, mainly on Munster, Connaught, and South Leinster.

According to forecasters, when that clears, it will be followed tomorrow and Sunday with gale force winds, sleet, thundery showers, and very high tides. Low-lying coastal areas will be particularly at risk and further unsettled weather is forecast into next week.