Storm Kathleen warnings updated with 'unseasonably strong' winds due
As the country braces for the impact of Storm Kathleen, Met Éireann has updated the status orange and yellow warnings that are in place across the country.
Kathleen will bring “gale force southerly winds” along with “severe and damaging gusts” to Cork, Kerry and Waterford during the first orange warning, which will be in place from 7am on Saturday.
The forecaster is warning of very difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees, and power outages, as well as coastal flooding and wave overtopping in certain areas. The warning will lapse at 2pm.
⚠️Orange weather warning updated ⚠️
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) April 5, 2024
Status Orange - Wind warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford
Valid : 07:00 Saturday to 14:00 Saturday
Status Orange - Wind warning for Galway and Mayo
Valid: 09:00 Saturday to 18:00 Saturday
Keep up to date here⬇️https://t.co/t2JoveRUyC pic.twitter.com/PTOdsUGohB
A separate orange warning, affecting Galway and Mayo, will come into effect at 9am and remain in place until 6pm, with the same impacts expected.
A status yellow wind warning has also been issued for the entire country from 5am on Saturday, with high winds predicted to displace objects, down trees, and cause further flooding along coastal area. The warning is set to be lifted at 8pm.
Met Éireann deputy head of forecasting Liz Coleman urged people to make a plan ahead of any weekend travel.
"It is the end of the Easter holidays so there will be a lot of people travelling and they may not be expecting such unseasonably strong and gusty winds. Please make sure to plan your journeys in advance by keeping in contact with the forecast," she said.
"We are likely to see some trees down due to the saturated soils and strong winds. There will be dangerous conditions at sea too, coupled with wave overtopping and coastal flooding in some areas."
Storm Kathleen is the 11th named storm to impact Ireland this year.
With the increased frequency of such storms, and the resultant rain and sodden soil, the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has warned of potential potato shortages on supermarkets shelves later in the year.
According to Met Éireann's farming forecast, rainfall amounts over the coming days will be two to four times above the normal range.
IFA national potato chairperson and potato grower Sean Ryan told that there would probably be “empty shelves in supermarkets by the end of the year" due to "relentless" spells of challenging weather.
Mr Ryan told the broadcaster that, as a result of unfavourable weather and worsening soil conditions this year, early planting, which should have taken place in February, could not happen.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has advised road users in areas affected by the orange warning to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.
A spokesperson said road users should "expect the unexpected" during the storm, and watch out for debris and vehicles affected by crosswinds which may veer across the road.
"High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds," the spokesperson said.
"Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds."
Motorists should also drive with dipped headlights at all times, and allow for greater braking distance, particularly on dual carriageways and motorways where there is a risk of aquaplaning.
The RSA also says that if the road ahead is flooded, motorists should choose another route and not attempt to drive through.
"After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes," the spokesperson added.
As for pedestrians, the RSA's advice is to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible via the use of front and rear lights and high-visibility clothing.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Cork County Council urged members of the public to "stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes" during this weekend’s weather warnings.
"Cork County Council wishes to advise road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds and to be aware of any surface debris. Motorists are also asked to be especially conscious of cyclists and pedestrians," the spokesperson said.
The council said that Dursey Cable Car will be closed on Saturday and will return to operation "only when wind speeds permit and following inspection if necessary."
It said any updates will be posted on Cork County Council's social media accounts.
It also issued the following guidance on power and water outages, and emergency events:
- Fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to the relevant local area office during working hours on (021) 4276891 or by contacting the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048 over the weekend.
- Power supply disruptions should be reported to ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.
- Disruptions to water supply should be reported to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.
- In the event of an emergency, people should call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard, as appropriate.
Met Éireann says that, overall, Friday will be cloudy and blustery, with scattered showers and fresh to strong southwesterly winds, though it will be somewhere brighter and drier in the east of the country.
By Friday afternoon, showers will become more isolated, with some sunny spells developing, and temperatures ranging from 11C to 15C.
Winds will strengthen by Friday night, however, as rain begins to spread across the country from the south. Temperatures tonight will fall back to between 10C and 12C.
Saturday will get off to a very windy start, as Storm Kathleen tracks north over the western seaboard. Met Éireann says gusts will also become “severe” in exposed areas of the west coast. There will also be some scattered showers, but these will ease as the afternoon progresses and Kathleen moves further north. Temperatures on Saturday will range from 12C to 15C.
According to the forecaster, Saturday night too will be “very windy and unsettled” with strong and gusty southerly winds, particularly in western counties. Downpours are likely in the west and the south. Temperatures on Saturday night will range between 6C and 8C.
Sunday will be a generally unsettled day, with yet more very strong winds likely to impact counties in the western half of the country. It will also be quite cloudy with some showers developing across the country during the late afternoon and evening. Temperatures on Sunday will hover around the 12C/13C mark.
Winds will have weakened by Sunday night, with some clearer spells developing.
However, Met Éireann says that a “band of more persistent rain” will then move in across Munster before dawn. Temperatures on Sunday night will range from 4C to 7C.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
