Winds of 125km/h to batter Donegal as Storm Dylan hits Ireland tonight

Storm Dylan is expected to make landfall tonight at 9pm, bringing gusts of up to 125km/h.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather warning ahead of Storm Dylan’s arrival for Donegal, Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Westmeath, Meath and Clare.

Tonight and Sunday morning, the storm will track northeastwards close to Connacht to Ulster coasts.

“The biggest impact from the storm will be in western and northern counties with west to southwest winds reaching mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts of 110 to 125 km/h,” Met Éireann warns.

High seas are also expected along the west coast with the risk of coastal flooding.

The warning will be lifted tomorrow at 12 noon.

A Status Orange marine weather warning is also currently in effect on coasts from Malin Head to Carlingford Lough to Wicklow Head and on the Irish Sea north of Anglesey.

“West to southwest gales or strong gales for a time this afternoon on coasts… Later this evening, tonight and early Sunday – south to southwest gales or strong gales developing on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea and reaching storm force on western and northwestern coasts,” Met Éireann says.

In light of the weather warning, the Road Safety Authority is advising motorists to be extra cautious tonight and into tomorrow morning.

They are appealing to motorists to leave extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists. Motorists should also beware of objects that may blow onto the road and cause an obstruction. The RSA is also asking that driver keep their dipped headlights on at all times.