Storm Brendan approaching as Status Orange warning issued

The country is bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Brendan overnight and through tomorrow.

A Status Orange warning is in force for all counties with a Status Red in marine areas. 

Status Orange conditions may pose a threat to life & property. 

Authorities are warning of dangerous driving conditions, coastal flooding and risk of falling trees. 

Met Eireann is urging people to Avoid coastal areas if possible

The weather warning is in place from

Midnight Monday 13thJan-2020

Valid until 23:59 Thu, 16-Jan-2020.

 

The full Met Eireann warning states:

•         Status: Orange
  
  Wind warning for Connacht, Donegal and Kerry
  
  Status Orange - Wind warning for Connacht, Donegal and Kerry
  Update: As Storm Brendan tracks to the northwest of Ireland, southerly winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts generally up to 130 km/h, higher in exposed areas. 
•         
•         There is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and storm surge.
  Valid: 05:00 Monday 13/01/2020 to 21:00 Monday 13/01/2020
  Issued: 15:00 Sunday 12/01/2020
   
•         Status: Orange
  
  Wind warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford
  
  Status Orange - Wind warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford
  Update: As Storm Brendan tracks to the northwest of Ireland, southerly winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 70 km/h with gusts of 100 to 120 km/h, higher in exposed areas. 
•         
•         There is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and storm surge.
  Valid: 08:00 Monday 13/01/2020 to 15:00 Monday 13/01/2020
  Issued: 15:00 Sunday 12/01/2020

Gardai are urging motorists to exercise extreme care and watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road. Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds. 

Pedestrians and cyclsist should wear a high visibility jacket and take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.