Weather warnings have been issued by Met Éireann for the island of Ireland, with Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, due to make landfall on Sunday.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and representatives of local authorities met on Friday to discuss the coming storm.
A status orange wind warning has been issued for Galway and Mayo from midday on Sunday to 9pm, with winds of up to 120km/h expected. There is a possibility of coastal flooding because of high spring tides.
A status yellow warning has been issued for the rest of the State from 6am on Sunday to midnight. A status yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for Northern Ireland from 3am on Sunday to midday on Monday.
A yellow marine warning is in place for the entire coastline around Ireland.
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Met Éireann forecaster Liz Gavan said there was a possibility that the weather warnings would be upgraded “as the confidence increases” closer to the storm arriving. Any upgrade may also include a rainfall warning, with heavy rain expected in the morning across the country.
Sunday will also be a very windy day across the country, with a few thunderstorms possible.
Strong-to-gale-force southwest winds will bring the potential for some disruption, especially in Atlantic coastal areas.
Winds will ease on Monday to leave a predominantly dry day with sunny spells and just a few showers in Atlantic coastal counties.
NDFEM national director Keith Leonard said those living in coastal areas should “stay back, stay high, stay dry”.
“Dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf,” he added. “There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in southern and western counties. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.”
Galway City Council warned that there would be a possibility of large coastal waves, coupled with high spring tides.
Interagency discussions have taken place this morning between the council, the HSE, An Garda Síochana, Galway Fire Service, the Harbour Master, and the Civil Defence.
The flood barrier is in place at Spanish Arch and a number of car parks will be closed. Businesses and home owners near the docks/ coastal areas are advised to avail of sandbags.
“Overtopping may occur at high tides over the weekend – road closures may occur along Salthill Promenade and Seapoint. There may also be road closures along the Dock Road,” a statement from Galway City Council added.
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