The first orange weather warning is now in place with a status red warning in operation for marine areas.
Status orange wind warnings have been issued for all counties in the Republic of Ireland, with a status red marine warning also in place for coastal areas, as the country braces itself for Storm Brendan
Met Éireann has forecast that gusts of up to 130km/h could be registered in Atlantic coastal areas later today.
Earlier this morning, the forecaster stated that gusts of up to 96km/h were reported in Belmullet, Mayo.
A Met Éireann report states: “Latest observations. Strengthening winds, Belmullet 33 Knots (61 k/hr) gusting 52 Knots (96 k/hr) and also a mean sea level pressure drop of 12hPa in the past four hours.”
Latest observations. Strengthening winds, Belmullet 33 Knots (61 k/hr) gusting 52 Knots (96 k/hr) and also a mean sea level pressure drop of 12hPa in the past 4 hours. pic.twitter.com/R9aUhRtcYO
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 13, 2020
The orange warning for Connacht, Donegal, and Kerry is valid from 5am until 9pm tonight.
A similar warning for the rest of Munster, Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan comes into effect at 8am and lasts until 3pm this afternoon.
“As Storm Brendan tracks to the northwest of Ireland, southerly winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts generally up to 130 km/h, higher in exposed areas,” reads the Met Éireann forecast.
“There is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and storm surge.
“Storm Brendan will bring extreme winds and heavy rain today. Status orange weather warnings in force for all counties with status red warnings in operation for marine areas.
“Winds may reach stronger levels locally and for limited time periods. Gale force southerly winds will extend countrywide during the morning, with severe and damaging gusts. Heavy rain will extend from the Atlantic, thundery at times.
“There will be coastal flooding due to a combination of onshore winds, spring tides and storm surge. Clearer conditions, with squally showers of rain and hail, will follow from the west during the afternoon, with the ongoing risk of thunder.”
Tonight is set to be cold, with temperatures falling as low as 1 or 2 degrees. It’ll be mainly dry with isolated showers, mainly retreating to the western and northern coasts but at times carried further eastwards by the winds.
Motorists are also being urged to be vigilant on the roads, especially with regards to keeping a lookout for fallen trees and debris.
.@RSAIreland is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads tomorrow (Monday 13 January) as @MetEireann has issued Orange weather warnings for strong winds and risk of coastal flooding for most of the country due to #StormBrendan More here https://t.co/QE2igwZu43 pic.twitter.com/CROr4kb6iO
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) January 12, 2020
With a status red marine warning in place, the Irish Coast Guard has advised the public to avoid exposed beaches, cliffs and harbours during storm conditions.
The status red marine warning states: “Southerly winds will reach storm force during Monday on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish sea, with violent storm force winds expected at times.”
Elsewhere, the ESB have warned that Storm Brendan may result in some customers losing their power supply. They’re asking the public to take note of their MPRN number.
More information on MPRN and how to find it is available here.
With #StormBrendan approaching the Coast Guard strongly advises the public to avoid exposed beaches, cliffs and harbours during storm conditions.
If you see someone in trouble, do not hesitate, dial 112 or 999 and ask for Coast Guard.#IrishCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/udKHOyG9AI
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) January 12, 2020
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