Storm Barra will bring very strong and disruptive winds and heavy rain to Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the strongest and most impactful winds expected across western areas.

Met Éireann has issued a Red wind warning for county Cork and Kerry tomorrow, as Storm Barra is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 130km/h.  An Orange wind warning is also in place for many western counties and some eastern counties, with a Yellow wind warning covering the rest of the country.  Dangerous conditions are also expected at sea with marine warnings in place along all Irish coasts, including a Red marine warningfor southwestern sea areas.

A yellow rain warning is also in place nationwide, as the strong winds from Storm Barra are accompanied by heavy rain.

Aoife Kealy, meteorologist at Met Éireann said:

Storm Barra will bring dangerous weather conditions across Ireland from early on Tuesday morning, with very strong winds and spells of heavy rain spreading across the country through the afternoon.  Gusts of around 90km/hr are expected widely inland, with the strongest winds across southern and western areas where we could see gusts reaching 130km/hr or higher along coastal areas.

Very strong winds in combination with high tides means there is a risk of large coastal waves and coastal flooding, particularly along southern and western parts of the country.

Driving conditions will be tricky and dangerous at times, with the risk of fallen trees, fallen power lines and flooding from the heavy rain.  Temporary outdoor structures will be particularly vulnerable to the expected wind gusts. We’re advising the public to listen to their local travel advice and to keep a close eye on Met Éireann forecasts and warnings, as they may be updated.

Commenting on the possibility of snow, Aoife said: Whilst most of the country will see spells of heavy rain, some northern and north-western areas are likely to have sleet and hill snow and along with the strength of the wind, this could lead to tricky driving conditions and reduced visibility on the road.

The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:

• Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
• All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
• As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
• The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
• Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

Meteorologist Aoife Kealy continued: “Storm Barra will gradually move eastwards away from Ireland through Wednesday afternoon and winds will gradually lessen, though Wednesday will still be a windy day.  Thursday and Friday look like much improved days following Storm Barra, though there will still be spells of rain at times.

Whatever the weather please follow the public health advice and help keep everybody safe from COVID-19.

For the most accurate and up to date forecast for your area on the Island of Ireland go to met.ie. The latest weather advisories and warnings for Ireland are on the Met Éireann Warnings page. These services and more are available on our free app – available from the App store for iPhone, and Play store for Android.

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