Hurricane Erin: Ireland to avoid worst of storm as US east coast braces

The first storm of the 2025 Atlantic season reached a Category 5 status on Saturday before dropping down to a Category 3 on Sunday. It has since intensified to a Category 4

Hurricane Erin is not expected to bring a major impact to Ireland as it currently moves across the Caribbean.

The first storm of the 2025 Atlantic season reached Category 5 on Saturday before weakening to Category 3 on Sunday. It has since strengthened to Category 4, with maximum sustained winds of 215kph. 

The US National Hurricane Center in Miami said it is expected to impact the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday.

Flash and urban flooding, life-threatening surf, and rip currents are forecast along the US east coast this week.

However, Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather said the storm is unlikely to have "a major impact to Ireland" as it tracks across the Atlantic.

He said the storm system is "likely to weaken before remnants reach Ireland, and the track is still very uncertain."

Hurricane Erin projection - Picture: National Hurricane Center

Meanwhile, a yellow thunderstorm warning is in effect for Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. Met Éireann warned that lightning damage and power outages are possible.

The warning remains in place until 6pm Monday. The national forecaster said thunderstorms could also bring localized flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

National Outlook

Monday began dry with sunny spells and early mist across much of the country, but cloud is expected to build over Munster, south Leinster, and south Connacht during the morning.

Showers will develop and may turn heavy in those regions, while the rest of the country stays mostly dry with hazy sunshine. 

Temperatures are forecast to reach 18C to 24C.

More showers are expected Monday night in south Leinster, Munster, and south Connacht, while the rest of the country will experience clear and dry conditions.

Tuesday will bring sunny spells and scattered showers, some heavy or thundery, mainly in Munster and south Leinster. 

Daytime highs will range from 18C to 22C.

It will then remain dry with clear spells and isolated showers overnight, with temperatures of 11C to 15C.

Met Éireann said Wednesday and Thursday will stay mostly dry, with a mix of cloud, sunshine, and a few scattered showers. 

Highs of 17C to 22C are expected.

Friday should also be largely dry with a few light showers. Current forecasts suggest Saturday will be slightly warmer, with sunny spells and scattered showers.