Wind Warnings

Met Éireann has placed eight counties under a Status Yellow wind warning. The affected counties include Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Kerry, and Limerick. The warning is in effect from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening. Strong westerly winds are expected to bring large coastal waves, making travel hazardous, especially near the coast.

Snow and Ice Alerts

In addition to the wind warnings, a Status Yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, and Louth. This warning is in place from Saturday night until Sunday morning. Met Éireann has warned of poor visibility, icy stretches, and difficult travel conditions due to hail, sleet, and snow.

Travel Disruptions

The strong winds and wintry conditions are likely to cause significant travel disruptions. Roads, flights, and public transport could be affected, particularly in the western and northern parts of the country. Met Éireann has advised people to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to exercise caution while travelling.

Christmas Weather Outlook

Looking ahead to Christmas week, Met Éireann has provided a mixed forecast. While widespread snow is unlikely, there is a possibility of wintry showers and a sharp drop in temperatures after Christmas. High-pressure systems are expected to bring slightly warmer-than-average temperatures during the day, but cold, frosty nights with mist and fog are also anticipated.

Safety Precautions

Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions during this period of severe weather. The Irish Coast Guard has advised people to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of wave overtopping and spray. Motorists are also advised to be cautious of fallen trees and icy roads.

Additional Details

The UK Met Office has also issued a Yellow wind warning for Antrim, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, which is set to be valid from 7am until midnight on Saturday. This adds to the already extensive list of counties under weather alerts, highlighting the widespread nature of the impending storm.

Met Éireann has emphasised that the winds will be strongest on Saturday night into Sunday morning, with gusts potentially causing damage to property and infrastructure. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with the possibility of wave overtopping and spray making conditions dangerous.

For those planning to travel over the weekend, it is advisable to check the status of flights and public transport services in advance. Many airlines and transport providers are expected to issue updates and advisories as the situation develops.

In terms of temperatures, December 2024 has been slightly warmer than average so far, with temperatures around 9°C. However, the forecast indicates a drop in temperatures as the month progresses, with the potential for frost and icy conditions, particularly at night.

The public is encouraged to prepare for the severe weather by securing outdoor items, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and having emergency supplies on hand. Community support is also vital, with neighbours urged to check on vulnerable individuals who may need assistance during the adverse weather.

Warning Times by County

• Mayo: 9 PM tonight to 3 AM tomorrow
• Clare & Galway: 9 PM tonight to 2 AM tomorrow
• Donegal, Leitrim & Sligo: 10 PM tonight to 3 AM tomorrow
• Wicklow: 1 AM to 6 AM tomorrow

Meanwhile, Status Orange wind warnings have been extended to other parts of the country, with Munster and Connacht expected to experience very strong gusts starting at 8 PM. Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan will see these conditions from 10 PM tonight. The Status Orange warnings remain in place until 10 AM tomorrow.

In Northern Ireland, an Amber wind warning is in effect from 1 AM to 9 PM tomorrow, with potentially damaging winds forecast. A Status Yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland begins at 3 PM today and lasts until 6 AM tomorrow, accompanied by a Status Yellow rain warning in several counties across Connacht and Ulster until 10 AM tomorrow.

Potential Storm Impacts

Met Éireann warns of the following impacts:

• Fallen trees and damaged power lines
• Disruption to travel and public transport
• Coastal wave overtopping
• Damage to temporary structures

Gerry Murphy, Senior Forecaster at Met Éireann, emphasized the dangers of the storm’s gusts, which are more destructive than mean wind speeds. He advised the public to avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on local warnings.

Liz Walsh, another Met Éireann forecaster, described the storm as “rare and very dangerous.” Speaking on RTÉ, she urged people to remain indoors and take measures to safeguard their homes and property.

Safety Advice for the Public

Keith Leonard, National Director for Fire and Emergency Management, appealed to the public to avoid travel in areas under Red warnings. He reminded Christmas partygoers to be mindful of forecasted conditions and recommended staying indoors during the storm’s peak.

Sean O’Neill from Transport Infrastructure Ireland advised against travel along major Atlantic routes and encouraged the public to “stay back, stay high, stay dry,” echoing the Irish Coast Guard’s guidance.

The ESB recommends using the PowerCheck App for updates on power outages, while the Road Safety Authority advises motorists to slow down, increase braking distances, and avoid flooded roads. Cyclists and pedestrians are urged to wear high-visibility clothing and exercise caution in poor weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

As the storm progresses, heavy rain is expected across the country, adding to travel difficulties. Met Éireann advises monitoring updates and taking proactive steps to remain safe during this severe weather event.

Weather Warnings and Forecasts

Met Éireann has cautioned that the storm could bring gale-force winds and heavy rain, leading to localised flooding. The national forecaster has highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the storm’s exact path, but the potential for impactful weather is significant. Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather noted that there is “a lot of uncertainty” around the forecast for Friday, with models showing different scenarios for the storm’s trajectory.

The forecast for Friday indicates a cold and dry start, with rain developing in the southwest by lunchtime. This rain is expected to spread nationwide during the afternoon and evening, becoming heavy and persistent. Temperatures are predicted to range from 6 to 9 degrees Celsius, with strong to gale-force northwest winds developing overnight.

Saturday is expected to be a cold and windy day as the deepening low-pressure system moves into Britain. There will be outbreaks of rain, possibly turning to sleet or snow across the midlands and north. Sunday will remain cold with sunshine and showers.

Impact on Daily Life

The approaching storm has prompted warnings for commuters and residents to prepare for challenging conditions. Freezing temperatures of between -4°C and -5°C have already been reported in the northern half of the country, with frost and ice-covered roads posing hazards for drivers. The public is urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any weather warnings issued by authorities.

The storm’s impact could be significant, with potential disruptions to travel and daily activities. Schools and businesses are advised to monitor the situation closely and make necessary arrangements to ensure safety. Power outages are also a possibility, and residents are encouraged to have emergency supplies on hand.

Potential for Snow and Freezing Temperatures

In addition to heavy rain and strong winds, there is a chance of wintry showers, particularly in higher elevations. The forecast suggests that some areas could see sleet or snow, adding to the potential disruptions caused by the storm. Temperatures are expected to remain low, with highs barely reaching double figures for the rest of the week.

The UK Met Office has also warned of severe weather, with parts of the British Isles potentially experiencing lows of -13°C and snow blasts from Greenland. While Ireland may avoid the worst of the storm, heavy rain and strong winds are still expected to make landfall.

Preparation and Safety Measures

Authorities are advising the public to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the storm. This includes securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying informed about the latest weather updates. Met Éireann’s Weather Forecast Podcast emphasised the importance of monitoring the forecast closely, as conditions could change rapidly.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages by having flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items ready. It is also advisable to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members to ensure they are safe and have what they need.

Snowfall Expected in Northern and Western Counties

Forecasts indicate that counties Cavan, Donegal, and Leitrim are most likely to witness snow accumulations and slippery conditions. Similarly, Northern Ireland’s counties including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry are under a yellow warning, with snow and ice possibly creating hazardous travel scenarios from Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning.

Throughout Monday, rain is expected to be widespread, transitioning into sleet or snow in the colder regions of Ulster and northern Connacht by evening. Daytime temperatures will vary, peaking at a chilly 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in Ulster, while other parts might experience milder weather, reaching up to 12 degrees Celsius.

Icy Nights and Wintry Days Ahead

The night will not only carry on the rain but also bring sleet and snow, especially in northern areas, where elevation may lead to significant snow build-up. Frost and ice will also make an appearance, particularly in northern Ulster, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -1 degree Celsius.

Tuesday promises more widespread sleet and snow, starting in the north and moving southward in the afternoon. Although brief sunny intervals may follow, wintry showers are expected to persist, especially in the north. The highest temperatures will struggle to rise above 6 degrees Celsius.

A Cold Week in Forecast

The weather outlook for the rest of the week remains frosty. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to fall below zero on Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially reaching -3 degrees Celsius. The frost may linger into Thursday morning, making for icy starts, and although some sunshine might break through, northern and western regions could see continued rain and snow showers.

Commencing Thursday at 3 PM, the first warning targets Cork and Kerry and is scheduled to persist until Friday at 1 PM. Meteorologists warn of relentless rain accompanied by thunderstorm activities likely to induce localized flooding, challenging travel conditions, and reduced visibility across these areas.

The second alert encompasses Clare, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo, with similar concerns of substantial rainfall that could initiate localized flooding and render travel precarious. This warning is also set to begin at 3 PM on Thursday but will conclude earlier at 3 AM on Friday.

These advisories are part of a broader forecast of unsettled weather patterns expected to dominate the week, maintaining temperatures near or slightly above the usual for this period. Thursday will witness initial rain spells in the west and northwest, while other regions might experience minor drizzle. As the day progresses, the rainfall is anticipated to intensify and spread eastward, potentially causing more localized flooding. Temperatures will hover between 13°C and 16°C, accompanied by moderate to brisk and gusty southerly winds, shifting northerly in the western regions later in the day.

The night of Thursday will remain wet and breezy with widespread rainfall, although Friday promises some respite in the northwest which is expected to dry up. However, the rest of the country will continue to face unsettled conditions with ongoing rain.

This weather development follows closely on the heels of Storm Ashley, which battered the country last weekend, leading to significant power outages. At the storm’s peak, approximately 53,000 residents were deprived of electricity, particularly in counties Cork, Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, Kerry, and Dublin.