Gusts of up to 130km/h are expected.
On Saturday afternoon,
Met Éireann issued a nationwide status orange wind warning, which will remain in place from 5am on Sunday morning (9 February) until midday that same day.
As per the official warning:
"On Sunday, Storm Ciara will produce very strong southwest winds with mean speeds of 65-to-80km/h and gusts generally up to 130km/h. A combination of spring tides and high seas as well as stormy conditions will result in a significant risk of coastal flooding especially along western and northwestern coasts."
This upgraded national weather warning is now in place alongside three other weather warnings that had
already been put in place for the weekend, including nationwide status yellow rainfall warning (in place until 3pm on Sunday), a status orange wind warning for Galway (in place until 6pm today), and a status orange wind warning for Donegal and Mayo (in place until 4pm today).
Ahead of the arrival of the storm,
Dublin Fire Brigade has told everyone to "Charge anything rechargeable that you may need if any ESB Networks faults extend in to the evening. Have batteries for torches. Keep your phone topped up during the day, but not left plugged in all day. Take care with candles, use torches as an alternative."
Additionally, the
Irish Coast Guard have issued a safety statement: "This election weekend the Irish Coast Guard’s 1st preference is that you Stay Back, Stay High & Stay Dry. Stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs & harbours along the coast during storm conditions If you see someone in difficulty dial 112 & ask for Coast Guard."
