Caution urged as Met Eireann forecasts 130km/h gusts

The Coast Guard has issued a warning to the public as extreme wind is forecast across the State by Met Éireann this weekend with electricity outages and fallen trees in some areas.

Met Éireann issued an orange alert for wind gusts of up to 130km/h in some western and southern coasts . The warning is Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Kerry and Limerick.

However a lower level yellow alert has also been issued for the east coast and midlands. Residents in Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford have been warned of wind gusts of up to 100km/h

It will be “extremely wind, blustery” with winds highest in coastal areas, Met Éireann said. Wind direction will be mainly southwest to west.

It also expects high seas and waves particularly tomorrow as well as some heavy, squally, thundery downpours of rain and possible flooding.

The Coast Guard said it “strongly advises” the public not to go our on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas during the inclement weather.

“Huge waves can be whipped up by high seas. These waves can pose hazards to anyone close to the shoreline,” it said in a statement.

“The public should be extremely careful when venturing out in such conditions, they should check the weather forecast and remain away from exposed areas,”Irish Coast Guard manager Declan Geoghegan said´.

It urged the public to avoid water sports and said owners of small vessels in coasts shoulf seek shelter.

Gardaí have warned motorists in westerly counties that driving conditions may be affected due to strong gusting winds, heavy downpours and possible flooding.

AA Roadwatch has reported fallen trees in Dublin, Tipperary, Westmeath and Cork today.

The ESB is working to fix hundreds of wind related outages across the State including in Mitchelstown and Tuam. The status of faults can be checked here.

The problems are being caused by a high impact system from the Atlantic. The weather warnings last until Monday morning. The yellow warning is the lowest in the three level system meaning be aware, orange is second highest meaning be prepared.