Storm Dave live tracker as Met Éireann issues nationwide alert

A nationwide alert is in place

The national forecaster has issued a Status Yellow nationwide warning of wind between 3 pm on Saturday and midnight on Easter Sunday.

Not only are the winds set to be "really strong", but Met Éireann says wind gusts will be "severe" with "coastal gales".

The forecaster also warns of potential impacts, such as fallen trees and branches, wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, and debris and loose objects displaced.

Weather Alerts Ireland stated on X that, although the wind is expected to be significant, there is a chance that Ireland may avoid the worst of the storm.

"Models are still forecasting a low-pressure system pushing towards Ireland on Saturday evening into Sunday.

"Based on the current models, the most likely scenario is that the storm appears to be strengthening as it passes Ireland, and we could miss the strongest of the winds."

Weather Alerts Ireland added: "Although if this storm deepens and strengthens quicker, then we could see some very strong winds! The ARPEGE morning models show this happening and bring very strong winds, but for now, this is an outlier.

"Heavy rain is also forecast with this system, and over 25mm is likely to fall in many western areas, especially on higher ground, in 24 hours.

"Large waves and spring high tides could well bring coastal flooding to many coastal areas in the west."

Public Safety Messages

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up-to-date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources
• Coastal flooding is likely, especially around high tide times and in exposed, low-lying locations along the Atlantic coastal counties
• High astronomical tides (Spring Tides) coinciding with storm surge and persistent onshore winds will further increase the risk of coastal flooding. Areas along the west and north coasts are particularly vulnerable
• Strong onshore winds combined with high waves may lead to wave overtopping and flooding in low-lying and exposed coastal areas
• People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions, not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor PowerCheck.ie

Met Éireann National Outlook:

Overview: Unsettled through the Easter weekend. Becoming very windy and wet on Saturday. A brighter, breezy day on Easter Sunday with a few showers. Rather windy once again on Monday.

Friday night: Clear spells and isolated showers at first, but it will turn cloudier through the night with outbreaks of rain and drizzle spreading northeastwards across the country. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 6 degrees, coldest in Ulster, in light to moderate southerly winds, fresher in the southwest.

Saturday: A windy and wet day on Saturday with strong and gusty southerly winds and gales on coasts, bringing the potential for wave overtopping. Outbreaks of rain will become widespread through the day, turning heavy at times with spot flooding possible. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

Saturday night: Wet and windy to start the night with outbreaks of rain and strong and gusty southwesterly winds. The rain will quickly clear, followed by clear spells and scattered showers. The odd shower of hail and sleet is possible. Becoming cold with the lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees and winds easing moderate to fresh overnight.

Sunday (Easter Sunday): A bright and breezy day on Sunday with sunny spells and scattered showers. There is a chance of some showers of hail or sleet early on, mainly on higher ground. Cool with the highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees. Moderate to fresh westerly winds will ease during the evening.

Monday: Rather windy on Monday with fresh to strong southerly winds developing. Cloudy and damp for most with patchy light rain, drizzle and mist. A milder day with the highest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees.

Further outlook: Remaining unsettled for the rest of next week with Atlantic low-pressure systems bringing further wet and blustery weather.