Met Eireann has issued a red weather warning for three counties in the west and north-west on Sunday as Storm Isha brings “severe and destructive wind gusts”.
A yellow warning was issued for all of Ireland at 11am, with wind speeds expected to increase during the day. Possible impacts include large waves along the coast with overtopping, difficult navigation conditions and unstable moving objects, the forecaster said.
Heavy rain is expected on Sunday, with localized flooding possible in the south and west, and highs of 10 to 13 degrees Celsius.
One of the forecaster’s red alerts is in force from 5pm to 9pm and covers counties Galway and Mayo.
The Alien Met Office said “southwesterly winds with very strong gusts, particularly in coastal and exposed areas, with very strong and destructive gusts” are expected, creating dangerous coastal conditions due to high waves and hazardous driving conditions. , said it would pose a risk of large-scale and widespread power outages.
A similar warning has been issued in County Donegal, but only from 9pm to 1am.
The Road Safety Agency (RSA) has advised road users in areas under red alerts to avoid traveling during the period.
Met Eireann says Status Red severe weather warnings are “rarely issued, but when they are issued, people in affected areas should take action to protect themselves and their property.” “We should take the following measures.”
An orange status warning covering the rest of the country will be in force from 5pm to 2am, with wind gusts in excess of 100km/h expected in many areas.
“Storm Isha will bring very strong southwest to west winds with severe damaging gusts,” the alert warns. Possible impacts in these areas include large coastal waves with overtopping waves, very difficult driving conditions, downed trees, and damaged power lines.
An orange alert will be in place for Donegal, Galway and Mayo from 4pm to 3am.
Met Eireann meteorologist Liz Coleman said on Sunday morning that conditions were expected to worsen throughout the day as winds strengthened.
“A red level warning is expected to be issued this evening due to strong north-westerly winds,” she said. “Strong and damaging wind gusts will be in those locations overnight.
“Storm conditions will develop along the coasts of Galway and Mayo, particularly the islands, later this afternoon.”
Ms Coleman said the rain would continue throughout the day, but severe flooding was not expected.
“It’s raining, but it’s the wind that affects us the most,” she said. “Significant rainfall will continue throughout the day today and into tonight, with scattered heavy showers expected by morning.
“No major flooding or coastal flooding is expected as the strongest winds coincide with the falling tide. There are still waves on the coast and potential for overtopping, so orange and red warnings are in place. It is recommended that you stay away from the coast while out.
“Power outages may occur in some areas as trees are expected to fall and power lines may be affected. Damage is possible at any time. Yellow Warning Winds will cause trees to fall. There is a possibility.”
Coleman said the center of the low pressure system would move away from after midnight until 2 a.m., and conditions would improve by the morning. “However, tomorrow will continue to be a windy day with heavy showers and strong westerly winds,” she said.
“A yellow horizontal wind warning is in place until midday tomorrow, but it may be extended.
“The strongest winds will occur overnight tonight, so people should be aware that there could be power outages, downed trees and disruption to public transport in the morning before traveling.
“We recommend checking with your transport company before planning your trip. There may be debris on the roads. Stay off the roads while a red warning is in place. I strongly encourage people to do so.”
The Met Office has issued an Amber Warning for Northern Ireland from 6pm on Sunday, saying the storm will cause “very strong winds from Sunday evening into Monday”.
“Disruptions to travel and public services are likely,” he added.
A yellow wind warning will be in place for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry from midday and will continue for 24 hours.
“Strong winds associated with Storm Isha are likely to cause disruption to travel and public works across the UK on Sunday and Monday.”
Ms Alien said winds would become westerly and weaken in most areas overnight, but would remain very strong in the northwest for some time. The rain will clear eastward, followed by periods of sunshine with scattered showers.
Monday will be a windy and stormy day in the west and northwest, especially in the morning. There will be periods of sunshine with scattered showers and a chance of hail. Showers will become more isolated into the evening.
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