Yellow weather warnings in place for Ireland as strong winds hit

The forecaster is predicting very strong west to northwest winds developing with widespread gusts of between 90km/h and 110km/h, especially near the coast on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The first of the yellow warnings for Ireland are now in effect, with strong gusts reported across the country. 

The orange storm warnings for Cork and Kerry have now lapsed. There were reports of lightening on the southwest coast as Met Éireann said stormy conditions were expected with "damaging gusts of up to 110km/h." 

A yellow wind warning will impact Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Galway and came into effect at midnight on Wednesday. It will stay in place until 3pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The forecaster is predicting very strong west-to-northwest winds developing with widespread gusts of between 80km/h and 110km/h, especially near the coast. 

Another yellow wind warning will be in place from 8am on Wednesday until 8pm with all of Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary and Waterford being impacted.

A status orange marine warning has also been issued. Picture: David Creedon

The marine warning, a status orange storm warning, has been issued for the area from Roche's Point to Loop Head to Rossan Point. 

It said west to northwest winds will reach storm force 10 at times on Irish coastal waters. The status orange storm warning will come into effect at 6am on Wednesday and will end at 4pm.

Meanwhile, the rest of the county is expected to see "unsettled" weather which is currently being dominated by low pressure. 

Wednesday started off "very windy" with strong to gale force northwest winds developing countrywide and some severe or damaging gusts possible. 

The national forecaster say "showers will merge to longer spells of rain at times, with local downpours and the chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms. 

"It will brighten up from the west through the afternoon and evening, with sunny spells and just isolated showers following. Maximum temperatures of just 6 to 8 degrees in Ulster and north Leinster, but 9C to 11C elsewhere with winds easing from the southwest through the evening."

Thursday will bring a mix of sunny spells and showers, with Met Éireann saying showers will be "heaviest and most frequent in the north and east, where there is a chance of hail."

Elsewhere, the UK Met Office has issued a status yellow wind warning for Antrim and Down from 3pm on Tuesday until 3am on Wednesday. Strong winds will bring "the potential for some disruption".

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