Storm Dave to bring severe gusts as nationwide wind warning takes effect

Storm Dave is the fourth named storm of the current season, part of a list of 21 names chosen by Irish, UK and Dutch weather services. File picture: Denis Minihane.

A status yellow rain warning has been issued for Mayo and Donegal as heavy downpours are expected to cause disruption on Saturday.

Met Éireann said rain, heavy at times, will move into both counties from 8am until 4pm on Saturday, April 4. Possible impacts include localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travel conditions.

The warning comes as Storm Dave approaches Ireland, with a separate status yellow wind alert set to come into effect nationwide later today.

Met Éireann said the wind warning will run from 1pm today until 2am tomorrow, with the “most disruptive spell of windy weather” expected during that period.

The storm is forecast to bring “very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening with severe gusts and coastal gales”.

Storm Dave is the fourth named storm of the current season, part of a list of 21 names chosen by Irish, UK and Dutch weather services.

Among the potential impacts are fallen trees, wave overtopping along coasts, hazardous travelling conditions and loose objects being displaced.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care, with the Road Safety Authority warning that strong crosswinds may affect vehicle control. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are considered particularly at risk.

Drivers are also being advised to allow extra space between themselves and more vulnerable road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be blown off course.

“Expect the unexpected,” the authority said in a statement.

A separate Yellow wind warning has also been issued by the UK Met Office for Northern Ireland, covering counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry from 2pm today until 3am tomorrow. The UK forecaster said strong winds could lead to damage and travel disruption into Sunday morning.