It marks the first named storm of the season, bringing with it the potential for further updated warnings over the coming days.
The countrywide wind warning has been extended and will come into effect at 6am on Sunday until midnight on Monday and possible impacts include coastal flooding, large coastal waves, some fallen trees, branches, difficult driving and cycling conditions and the displacement of debris and loose objects.
A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for Galway and Mayo from 12pm on Sunday until 9pm.
Possible impacts include fallen trees, very difficult travelling conditions, dangerous conditions at sea, damage to power lines, power outages and damage to already weakened structures.
Met Éireann forecaster Liz Gavan told the Irish Independent that the first storm of the season is due to bring “very windy weather” on Sunday, with very strong to gale force winds expected in parts.
“This is going to be coupled with high spring tides, so we may see some coastal impacts and some disruption. We issued a yellow wind warning countrywide on Sunday from 10am until midnight and winds will be stronger in parts of the west where an orange wind warning is going to come into operation for Galway and Mayo from 12pm until 9pm.”
She said winds in the range of 65km/hr to 80km/hr are expected on Sunday night, with a possibility for further updated warnings to be issued as the information evolves over the coming hours.
The conditions have the potential to cause disruption to travel and public transport, with heavy rainfall expected as part of Storm Ashley, bringing with it a chance of localised flooding.
Road users have been urged to pay attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris, with the potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, particularly in southern and western counties.
A flood barrier is in place at the Spanish Arch in Galway city, with the Silverstand, Salthill and Toft car parks closed and the Ballyloughane Road restricted to local access only.
There is no parking permitted along Seapoint Road from today due to expected stormy conditions brought by Storm Ashley as local businesses and home owners near the docks and coastal areas also advised to avail of sandbags.
Galway City Council has warned of further road closures over the coming days as overtopping may occur at high tides throughout the weekend.
The ESB has highlighted the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately.
A weather advisory is also in place across the country as Met Éireann said there will be “exceptionally high” supermoon spring tides.
The alert is valid until midnight on Sunday.
7-Day Weather Forecast: 14th – 20th October 2024
Meanwhile, patchy rain and drizzle will extend across the country this morning and it will turn rather breezy.
Heavier bursts of rain will move into western areas by late morning before pushing eastwards over the country during the afternoon.
A clearance will arrive into Atlantic coastal counties by evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds. There is the continuing possibility of coastal flooding due to very high tides.
Any lingering rain in the east will quickly clear early on Friday night. It will then be a generally dry night with clear spells and just a few showers, these mainly across the western half of the country.
Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate southwest breezes.
Much of the day on Saturday will be dry and bright with sunny spells and just a few passing showers.
However, cloud will build from the south through the afternoon with rain developing in the southwest during the evening. Maximum temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in moderate southwest winds.
It will turn wet and very windy on Saturday night and during Sunday.
Heavy rain will extend nationwide on Saturday night and strong southeast winds will develop along with gales at the coast. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees.
Explainer : What are weather status warnings?
It will become very windy on Sunday. Rain will clear quickly to the northeast on Sunday morning to leave a day of sunny spells and blustery showers.
More persistent rain will return to some western and northern areas during the afternoon with a few thunderstorms possible. Strong to gale force southwest winds will bring the potential for some disruption, especially in Atlantic coastal areas.
Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees. Continuing very windy on Sunday night with clear spells and scattered blustery showers. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees.
