Members of the public brave the high winds at Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin. Photo: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
Ireland’s first named storm of the season will bring very strong winds over the weekend, with Storm Ashley leaving the entire country under weather warnings for tomorrow.
Counties Galway and Mayo will be under a Status Orange wind warning from 12pm tomorrow until 9pm. Effects will include coastal flooding, large coastal waves, loose objects and fallen trees.
Galway City Council has taken a number of precautions, including flood barriers along the Spanish Arch and the closure of the Silverstrand, Salthill and Toft car parks. Strong winds in Galway and Mayo will lead to very difficult travelling conditions, dangerous conditions at sea, and damage to power lines and already weakened structures.
A nationwide Status Yellow wind warning has also been issued and will be valid from 6am tomorrow until midnight. Possible effects will include coastal flooding, large coastal waves, difficult travelling conditions, debris and loose objects being displaced.
Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Walsh said: “Storm Ashley will bring strong southerly winds overnight on Saturday night and early Sunday with a second wave of even stronger south-westerly winds, accompanied by damaging gusts across the country, from mid-morning on Sunday, right though the afternoon and into the evening in some parts.”
Ahead of the storm, today is set to be dry and bright for much of the day, with sunny spells and just a few showers.
Cloud will then build from the south of the country through the evening, bringing rain to the south-west in the night-time.
Top temperatures will range from 12 to 15C. It will then turn windy and wet tonight and into tomorrow morning.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged road users to take “extreme care”. If the road is flooded, drivers are advised to take alternate routes.
Drivers have also been urged to slow down and allow greater breaking distance to the vehicle in front. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as motorways where there is a greater danger of aquaplaning.
The RSA has advised pedestrians to walk on the right-hand side of the road facing traffic where there are no footpaths, while cyclists should use front and rear lights and wear high visibility clothing.
