20 Oct 2024
Storm Ashley is forecast to bring strong winds, which, coupled with high spring tides, may cause coastal flooding.
A Status Orange wind warning for counties Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will be in effect until 8pm.
Met Éireann said southwest gale force winds of up to 130km/h may also cause power outages and damage to weakened structures.
A separate Status Yellow wind warning is in effect for most of Ireland which will remain in place until 3am tomorrow.
The UK Met Office has also issued a Status Yellow wind warning for counties Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Derry and Fermanagh.
That warning came into effect at 3am and is in place until midnight.
The peak winds of Storm Ashley are expected this morning, in the afternoon and again this evening.
Several sporting events have been postponed today including the Clare senior hurling final, the Galway senior hurling semi-finals and the Mayo senior football final.
Met Éireann has warned of difficult travelling conditions. They have urged the public to take responsibility for their own safety.
The operator of Dublin Airport, daa, said a "small number" of flights have been cancelled due to weather conditions.
Its Media Relations Manager Graeme McQueen said: "As always, passengers seeking updates regarding a specific flight should contact their airline directly.
"Passengers should take extra care on their travels to and from Dublin Airport today."
Meanwhile, around 1,000 ESB customers are without power after a series of outages were reported overnight.
The areas most impacted are in the south of the country.
In Foynes, Co Limerick, more than 560 customers are without power.
High tide passed without incident in Galway city this morning
In Midleton, Co Cork, over 170 customers have been impacted, while in Roscrea in Co Tipperary, over 100 customers have been impacted.
There are around 70 premises without electricity in the Castleisland area in Co Kerry.
Kerry County Council said conditions throughout the county will be very hazardous, with the likelihood of coastal flooding and fallen trees and branches on roads.
The council is appealing to members of the public to avoid exposed coastal areas today, to prepare for the possibility of power outages, and to prepare for surface water on all routes.
The council's Severe Weather Assessment Team met on three occasions yesterday to monitor the weather forecast.
A local coordination group, which includes representatives of Kerry County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Kerry Fire Service, and Kerry Civil Defence met last night and is appealing to people to take heed of the warnings in place.
Meanwhile, in Co Cork, high tide passed without incident this morning in Bantry, where there are on-going fears of flooding.
Parts of the town flooded earlier this month due to heavy rain.
Sandbags have been distributed due to the current astronomical spring tides.
This morning, Cork County Council Fire Brigade staff were on duty in Bantry, ready to pump any flood water from Wolfe Tone Square and other areas of the town.
However, only minor surface water was reported.
The current level of high spring tides has now passed and tide level will begin to drop from today, easing fears about tidal flooding.