Storm Fergus: Orange warning for three counties, wind warnings for 19 counties

James Cox

Storm Fergus is expected to make landfall today, after Storm Elin on Saturday, with a status orange wind warning issued for three counties.

A yellow wind alert comes into effect for counties Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and Mayo at 1pm on Sunday afternoon, escalating to an orange warning for Mayo, Galway and Clare at 3pm.

Elsewhere, a status yellow alert will come into place for 13 counties stretching from Sligo and Roscommon to the East Coast at 6pm this evening.

Met Éireann meteorologist Michelle Dillon said: “Strong to gale force south-west winds veering westerly will be developing through Sunday afternoon, evening and early Sunday night as Storm Fergus tracks eastwards across the country.

“Storm surge will lead to high seas and along with the stormy conditions there’s the possibility of coastal flooding along parts of the west coast, particularly at high tide.”

Met Éireann has warned of "very strong onshore winds" coupled with high waves and high tides.

The forecaster also said there is a risk of localised coastal flooding and wave overtopping.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said winds will begin to pick up later this morning.

Mr Nolan told Newstalk: "Storm Fergus is pushing in from the west. We expect the winds to really start picking up through the late morning into the early afternoon.

"The status orange weather warnings are in place for counties Mayo, Galway and Clare at the moment. They could potentially be extended further throughout the course of the day."