High winds and disruptive conditions are expected this Friday night as Storm Hannah arrives from the Atlantic.
Donegal is expected to escape the worst of the potentially damaging storm, which will hit the southwest coast of the country this afternoon.
A Status Yellow warning is in place for Donegal, Western and South Eastern counties from 11pm Friday to 9am on Saturday morning. Heavy winds with mean speeds of 50-65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are expected during the night.
A Status Orange is in place for Munster, where people are warned to expect possible disruption and power outages.
Forecasters have advised the public to take in garden furniture and beware of tree felling.
A statement from Met Eireann said: “The public are advised to be prepared for the anticipated conditions, especially those living or travelling to the southwest with some disruption and power outages likely. There is an increased risk of impacts to life and property during times of severe weather with flying debris of particular concern during any wind event. People are advised to take in their BBQ or loose garden furniture, especially after the recent warm spell.
“With the trees now in full leaf, there is an increased threat of tree damage and possible felling too. Other impacts may include travel disruption with large and dangerous waves expected to crash into southwest coasts. Whilst Storm Hannah will primarily be a wind event, spells of heavy rain will be wrapped up around eye of the storm too.”
Gardaí are appealing to the public to be extra cautious and heed the Met Eireann warnings.
A statement said: “Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should be aware of the danger posed by high winds as they are particularly vulnerable. Drivers of high sided vehicles should take all necessary precautions and pay attention to the warnings.
“We ask people living near coastal, cliff and waterway areas, particularly those with children, to be extra cautious considering the gusty winds forecast.”
The last of the heavy rain will clear the north and east during Saturday morning and winds will abate. However, brisk northwest winds will persist into Saturday afternoon with a mix of sunshine and scattered showers following.
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