Weather warnings issued across Galway and Mayo as Storm Ashley approaches

Weather warnings have been issued across parts of Ireland, as the first named storm of the season is expected to hit the country later this weekend.

A status orange wind warning has been put in place by Met Eireann for counties Galway and Mayo on Sunday as Storm Ashley is expected to make landfall.

Storm Ashley, named by Met Eireann, is forecast to bring strong and gusty southerly winds, with damaging gusts expected as well as high tides.

Met Eireann has warned that winds of up to 120km an hour could hit parts of the country, with the possibility of coastal flooding.

People living in the Galway and Mayo areas have been warned of large coastal waves, loose objects, fallen trees, difficult travelling conditions, damage to power lines and power outages, as well as damage to already weakened structures.

The warning is in place from Sunday midday until 9pm.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and various other stakeholders met on Friday to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Ashley.

The NDFEM said it will continue to liaise with Met Eireann and will monitor the conditions over the weekend.

Local authority severe weather assessment teams (Swats) will continue to monitor conditions locally and local authorities have their emergency response teams in place.

Keith Leonard, national director of the NDFEM, said: “I would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘stay back, stay high, stay dry’.

“Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.

“There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in southern and western counties. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) had advised all road users to take extreme care over the weekend as Met Eireann issued the orange and yellow weather warnings.

The RSA urged drivers to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

“This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning,” a spokesman said.

“Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility.

“Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.”