Met Éireann warns that “severe and damaging gusts” of 100 to 130km/h are expected to sweep Donegal this weekend.
A national Status Yellow warning is in effect, but the heaviest impacts of Storm Aiden will be felt along the coastal areas of Munster, Connacht and West Ulster.
Met Éireann’s Status Orange warning for Donegal came into effect at 8am, and will be lifted at 4pm today.
Storm Aiden will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h, with severe and damaging gusts of 100 to 130km/h in Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Clare.
Met Éireann says: “Very strong to gale force southerly winds will veer westerly this morning with some further severe and damaging gusts, especially in Atlantic coastal counties.”
“Very high seas around coasts will lead to a risk of some coastal flooding too. Whilst heavy overnight rain will clear into the Irish Sea this morning, sunshine and scattered heavy squally showers will follow, with the risk of hail and isolated thunderstorms, heaviest across the north and northwest.”
“Becoming mostly dry later this afternoon with winds moderating then too, except for northern areas. Highest afternoon temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees Celsius.”
Tonight, wet and rather windy weather will feed up from the southwest early.
Tomorrow will be blustery with scattered falls of rain, heaviest across the south.
An Garda Síochána is appealing to the public to take care and exercise caution as the storm sweeps the country.
An Garda Síochána would like to advise that:
• All unnecessary travel should be avoided where orange level wind warnings are in place. These winds will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.
• Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris and flooded roads.
• High seas and wave activity will make coastal areas hazardous, the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas/cliff walks during this period.
• People are advised to remove or secure patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings.
• Local authorities will provide updated information on flooding and local conditions.
“We advise the public to regularly monitor Met.ie as regular updates will be provided throughout the weekend,” a Garda spokesperson adds.
You can keep up to date on conditions by signing up for free alerts on your phone by registering with www.mapalerter.ie/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or Twitter.
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