A status Red wind warning has been issued in three counties for this evening as Storm Isha closes in on the country today.
A Red warning is in place in Galway and Mayo from 5pm this evening until 9pm, while Donegal is in the red from 9pm tonight to 1am on Monday.
Met Éireann has warned Storm Isha will bring extremely strong and gusty southwest winds with severe and destructive gusts, particularly in coastal and exposed areas.
Those in Red counties can expect wind gusts over 130km/h and wind speeds over 80km/h.
It warned of treacherous travelling conditions and risk of widespread power outages as Storm Isha moves across the country.
An Orange wind warning is also in place in Donegal, Galway and Mayo from 4pm today to 3am on Monday.
A weather warning is also in place in the rest of the country from 5pm this evening to 2am tonight.
A yellow warning has been issued for the entire country from 11am today to 4am tomorrow before Storm Isha moves on.
Already a wet morning across most areas and winds starting to pick up as #StormIsha approaches to the West. A lot more rain to come and winds will really start to pick up over the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/0Qp324yOG7
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 21, 2024
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group to prepare for Storm Isha.
NDFEM Senior Assistant Fire Adviser Paul Rock said members of the public should stay away from all coastal areas.
“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished," he said. "Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions.
"Everybody is encouraged to keep mobile phones charged and at hand in case of emergencies and to check for updates where necessary."
Road safety during Storm Isha
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) issued a warning yesterday asking road users to exercise caution during Storm Isha.
Drivers have been warned to drive slower and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.
Road users should also “expect the unexpected” as Met Éireann warned of falling debris from Storm Isha.
Pedestrians have also been told to wear high visibility clothing to be seen by passing cars in stormy weather.
Meteorologist Alan O’Reilly said there is a risk of over 40mm of rainfall in 24 hours in parts of the west and south of the country.
