Warning issued to motorists and homeowners ahead of ‘disruptive’ Storm Isha
Storm Isha will bring "very strong southwest winds with severe and damaging gusts" according to Met Éireann creating a risk of large waves along coastal paths, loose debris and difficult travelling conditions. Picture: Damien Coleman
Met Éireann is warning of possible power outages and dangerous driving conditions on Sunday due to the high winds brought on by Storm Isha.
The public has been warned to stay indoors tomorrow with a status orange wind warning for all counties and into the early hours of Monday morning.
The forecaster says the story will bring "very strong southwest winds with severe and damaging gusts", creating a risk of large waves along coastal paths, loose debris and difficult travelling conditions.
The morning will kick off with a status yellow wind warning from 11am on Sunday for the entire country and will remain in place until 4am Monday.
Between 5pm on Sunday and 2am on Monday, this weather alert will be upgraded to a status orange.
In Co Donegal, the warning will be in place for a further three hours, lifting at 5am on Monday.
There is a Status Red marine warning in place from 7pm on Sunday until the early hours of Monday for stormy weather at Erris Head to Bloody Foreland to Fair Head, with winds expected to reach storm force 10 or “violent” storm force 11.
Saturday night is expected to be "wet and windy", with lowest temperatures of 3C to 8C overnight.
The forecaster has warned of "strong gales" on Sunday, with heavy rains in parts of the country.
Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather says the storm will "pick up by morning and stay strong through the day", with strongest winds expected throughout the evening.
Heavy rain is also expected, with over 50mm of rainfall possible in the West of the country, Mr O'Reilly said.
Temperatures will remain mild, with expected mercury highs between 10C and 13C.
Cork County Council said its Severe Weather Assessment Team met today in response to the weather warnings. It said council response crews and contractors are on standby.
It said that while the county is currently in a period of neap (moderate) tides the forecasted storm surge, high seas, and strong winds mean a high tide advisory has been issued.
"High waves, heavy rain and storm surge may lead to wave overtopping and the possibility of coastal flooding," it said.
"Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal or mountainous areas.
"Cork County Council wishes to advise road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. Driving conditions may be hazardous with some spot flooding possible in any bursts of heavy rain."
It also said the high winds may give rise to localised power outages.
In Cork City, the council's director of operations, David Joyce said: “The public and business community are advised to secure any outdoor furniture or equipment in gardens or on sites in advance of tomorrow’s alerts.
“In addition to the wind, there will be heavy rain tomorrow and we are asking road users to slow down, to travel with care and to allow more time for journeys. Motorists are also asked to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists also using the roads”.
“People travelling on Monday morning are also reminded to be alert to possible debris and spot flooding,” he said.
Cork City Council said it is not expecting any tidal flooding.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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