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.

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.

Weather Warnings and Impact

Met Éireann has issued red weather warnings for Cork and Galway, indicating the highest level of alert due to the severe conditions expected in these areas. Orange warnings are in place for several other counties, including Donegal, Kerry, and Mayo. These warnings highlight the potential for significant disruption, including power outages, travel delays, and property damage. The red warnings are expected to remain in effect until 10am, while the orange warnings will lift by noon.

The storm has brought torrential rain and winds gusting close to 110 km/h overnight. Rivers in several counties, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo, have broken their banks, leading to road closures and further travel disruptions. The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to avoid any travel during the storm window. Public transport across Ireland has been heavily impacted, with numerous Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services either delayed or cancelled. The Green Party has cancelled an election event in Dublin due to the effects of the storm.

Power Outages

Storm Bert has left nearly 60,000 homes and businesses without power across Ireland. The worst-hit areas include Cork, Galway, and Donegal, where fallen trees and downed power lines have caused widespread outages. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore electricity, but the ongoing severe weather conditions are making their efforts challenging. The ESB has confirmed that the number of affected households could increase as the storm progresses.

Flooding Concerns

In West Cork, residents are particularly on edge as they recall the devastating floods caused by Storm Babet just last month. Business owners and homeowners in Bantry are relieved that the town has so far escaped major flooding, but the threat remains as heavy rainfall continues. In East Cork, areas like Midleton are still recovering from previous flood damage and are on high alert for any signs of rising water levels. Additionally, a landslide in a small Irish town has exacerbated the flooding situation, causing further damage and disruption. Rivers in several counties, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo, have broken their banks, leading to road closures and further travel disruptions.

Travel Disruptions

The storm has already caused significant travel disruptions. Flights have been cancelled, and there are reports of hazardous driving conditions due to fallen trees and debris on the roads. Public transport services are also experiencing delays, and authorities are advising people to avoid non-essential travel. Roads in several counties, including Kerry and Limerick, have been closed due to flooding. The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to avoid any travel during the storm window, and numerous Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services have been either delayed or cancelled.

Emergency Services and Public Safety

Emergency services are on high alert, responding to incidents and assisting those affected by the storm. The public is urged to stay indoors where possible and to secure any loose objects that could become dangerous in high winds. Met Éireann has also warned of the possibility of hail and isolated thunderstorms, which could exacerbate the situation. The Defence Forces have been deployed to assist with flood relief efforts in the most affected areas. Local authority crews in Cork and Galway are closely monitoring developments and are on standby to respond to any incidents as soon as it is safe to do so. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has stressed the importance of sheltering in place and avoiding travel during the red level warnings. The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning for people to stay away from coastal areas during this period.

Local authority crews in Cork and Galway are closely monitoring developments and are on standby to respond to any incidents as soon as it is safe to do so. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has stressed the importance of sheltering in place and avoiding travel during the red level warnings. The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning for people to stay away from coastal areas during this period.

Met Éireann has expanded the Status Orange wind warning to include counties Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal. This warning will be in effect from midday to 8pm on Sunday, 20th October. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, which could lead to coastal flooding, large waves, and damage to power lines and structures. The high winds are also likely to cause significant disruption to transport and infrastructure, with fallen trees and debris potentially blocking roads and railways.

In addition to the wind warnings, a Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Waterford. This warning is in place until 9am on Monday, 21st October. The combination of high winds and heavy rain is likely to cause difficult travelling conditions and potential power outages. The heavy rainfall could lead to localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage systems.

Local authorities and emergency services are on high alert, preparing for the storm’s impact. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has been coordinating with Met Éireann and other stakeholders to monitor the situation closely. They have advised the public to stay away from coastal areas and to secure any loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds. Residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to prepare emergency kits, including essentials such as food, water, medications, and flashlights.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has also issued warnings to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution while driving. They recommend reducing speed, maintaining a greater distance from the vehicle in front, and being mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The RSA has also advised against unnecessary travel during the peak hours of the storm to minimise the risk of accidents.

Several events have been postponed due to the anticipated severe weather. Sporting events, including the Clare senior hurling final, the Galway senior hurling semi-finals, and the Mayo senior football final, have been rescheduled. Schools in the affected areas have been advised to remain closed on Monday, 21st October, to ensure the safety of students and staff. Public transport services, including buses and trains, are expected to experience delays and cancellations, with operators advising passengers to check for updates before travelling.

Businesses and homeowners in flood-prone areas, particularly in coastal regions, are being advised to take precautionary measures such as using sandbags to prevent flooding. Insurance companies have also issued reminders to policyholders to review their coverage and take necessary steps to protect their properties.

Community groups and local volunteers are mobilising to support vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues. Neighbours are being encouraged to check on each other and offer assistance where needed. Local councils have set up emergency shelters for those who may need to evacuate their homes due to flooding or structural damage.

The Irish Red Cross and other humanitarian organisations are on standby to provide aid and support in the aftermath of the storm. They are prepared to distribute emergency supplies and offer medical assistance to those affected by the severe weather.

For those wanting to keep a close eye on Storm Ashley’s progress, live trackers are available online. These trackers provide real-time updates on the storm’s path and intensity, helping residents stay informed and prepared. Met Éireann’s website and social media channels will also provide regular updates and safety advice.

As Storm Ashley approaches, it is crucial for everyone to stay updated with the latest weather reports and heed the advice of local authorities. Safety should be the top priority during this period of severe weather. Residents are encouraged to follow official guidance and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.