Donegal County Council says their resources are at a ‘heightened state of readiness’ ahead of the arrival later this morning of Storm Ashley.
The storm is forecast to bring strong winds, which, coupled with high spring tides, may cause coastal flooding.
A Status Orange wind warning will take effect from 10am until 8pm for counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Kerry.
Met Éireann said southwest gale force winds of up to 130 km/h may also cause power outages and damage to weakened structures.
“It’s going to become very windy and indeed stormy through the morning as storm Ashley moves closer to us, with southwest winds increasing strong to gale force and gusty, possibly touching storm force in northwestern coastal parts this afternoon and evening, with severe and damaging gusts,” a spokesperson for the national meteorological service said.
Coastal flooding is likely due to very high tides. The rain will be heaviest in the west and northwest, with isolated thunderstorms and some spot flooding possible. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.
It’s going to continue very windy for a time early tonight with showers or longer spells of rain for a time. However the winds will gradually moderate overnight and it’ll become drier overnight.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said they have activated their Severe Weather Assessment Team and are continuing to monitor the evolving situation and all council resources are at a ‘heightened state of readiness in response to this period of unsettled weather’.
The council has pre-deployed sandbags at a number of locations where it feels a risk may present, given the predicted weather conditions. Further sandbags are available at a number of council depots in each of the Municipal Districts should the need arise.
“During the duration of the storm conditions, Donegal County Council are urging road users to minimise their journeys and be aware of road conditions if travelling, particularly in relation to flooding and debris on the road,” the spokesperson added.
“Should you need to travel, extreme care should be exercised mindful of the conditions. Please be aware of the potential of fallen trees, branches, electricity wires, debris on the roads and walk-ways and flooding in certain areas.”
Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
You can keep up to date on conditions by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on X @DonegalCouncil.
