STORM LORENZO: Latest News & Updates Here

Please keep refreshing the page as we update you on developments with Storm Lorenzo. Send us in any reports or information that we can pass on that may be of assistance. 

Updated: 7pm

High tide in Lahinch is after 9pm.  RTE_PrimeTime will be broadcasting live from the coastal town tonight. 
Hotelier Michael Vaughan has said, "I hope they have nothing dramatic to report this time" #StormLorenzo

Updated: 6pm 

Meath County Council are warning that  as most trees are still in full leaf, there is a high risk that there will be a significant number of fallen trees & branches as a result of the high winds.

Windblown trees are dangerous and should only be dealt with by competent & experienced chainsaw operators

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has reiterated serious concern about the impact of Storm Lorenzo, particularly in coastal areas along the west and southwest coast.

The storm is beginning to bear down on the south and southwest coast.

The Orange weather warning for five western counties - Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo - has been extended until tomorrow at 6am from 3am previously.

There are also two Yellow wind warnings and a rain warning in effect.

The advice from the emergency coordination group is still for people to stay away from the coast for the duration of the storm which is now expected to pass quickly and have dissipated by tomorrow morning.

Gardaí have asked drivers to slow down and for drivers of high-sided vehicles and overnight couriers to take particular care.

UPDATED WARNINGS

Status Orange - Wind warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry and Limerick
Update
Southwesterly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds 65 to 80km/h with gusts generally of 100 to 130km/h, higher in some coastal regions.
Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.

Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 18:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 06:00

Status: Yellow
Wind warning for Ireland
Status Yellow - Wind warning for Ireland
Update
Southeasterly winds will reach mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts 90 to 100km/h resulting in some disruptive impacts.

Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 09:00 to Thursday 03 October 2019 18:00

Status: Yellow
Rainfall warning for Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal
Status Yellow - Rainfall warning for Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal
Spells of heavy rain at times today and tonight will result in some flooding.

Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 09:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 06:00

Status: Yellow
Wind warning for Wexford, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford
Status Yellow - Wind warning for Wexford, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford
Southwesterly winds of mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 100km/h.

Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 18:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 06:00

 

Met Eireann Update
The effects of Storm Lorenzo will begin to be felt across Ireland this morning.
In early October, trees are mostly in full leaf with a large surface area, so even moderate strength winds can bring down weakened trees and/or tree limbs. In addition, some trees may be compromised due to saturated soils at the moment, and with more rain likely some disruption due to falling trees/branches is likely. The rain, coupled with falling leaves may block drains and gullies, leading to surface flooding.

Coastal:
Storm Lorenzo will produce significant swell, high waves and sizeable storm surges. This will lead to wave overtopping, some coastal flooding and damage.

Surface Flooding:
Saturated soils and the expected heavy rainfall may lead to surface flooding.

River:
River levels are currently elevated across the country and the rainfall may lead to river flooding in parts of the midlands, west and northwest. River levels will continue to rise after Storm Lorenzo has passed.

Valid: Thursday 03 October 2019 09:00 to Friday 04 October 2019 06:00.

UPDATED 12PM: 

Meath County Council have decided to err on the side of caution and postpone tonight's Navan Pride of Place awards. 

Meanwhile Dublin Airport has also taken early precautions with the postponement of some flights. 

Nine flights in and out of Dublin Airport have been cancelled. They were all Aer Lingus flights and mainly internal, connecting Kerry and Donegal. Four were outbound and five inbound.

Two flights connecting Heathrow and Gatwick were also affected.

"These are small propeller aircraft which are the first to be affected by strong gusty wind," said an airport spokesperson.

The airport says passengers should check with their airline who have the latest information.

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Many thanks to the very appropriately named Dawn Lynch Quinn for sending is this beautifil sunrise over Meath this morning.