Storm Diana: Met Éireann issues two orange weather warnings for Wednesday

Following a yellow weather warning for 16 counties earlier today, Met Éireann has  now issued two orange weather warnings ahead of Storm Diana, which is expected to sweep over the country on Wednesday. Local authorities across the country have tonight been told to activate their “severe weather teams” as Storm Diana moves in.

In a statement on their website at 10pm on Tuesday night, the national forecaster warned of outbreaks of rain expected to strengthen as the night goes on, as well as potentially damaging gusts of wind. “Outbreaks of rain will extend northeastwards across the country tonight and south to southeast winds will strengthen. Some mist or hill fog also. Minimum temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees. Turning extremely windy in the southwest towards dawn with some damaging gusts possible.”

“Southerly winds will increase strong to gale force and gusty towards dawn, with further heavy rain moving into Atlantic coastal counties.”

Status Orange

There are currently two status orange in alerts issued across the country;  in Cork, Kerry and Waterford (starting at 6am and remaining in place until 12pm Wednesday) and in Wexford, Galway and Clare (starting at 9am and remaining in place until 2pm Wednesday). In all six counties, Wednesday will see severe winds associated with Storm Diana with South to southwest winds of 65 to 80 km/h will gust 110 to 130 km/h.

“[It will be] very windy on Wednesday with severe and potentially damaging gusts associated with Storm Diana,” shared Met Éireann in a statement. “The south to southeast winds will be strongest across the southern half of the country during the morning but the strong winds will extend nationwide during the course of the day and veer southwest in direction. Showery rain will accompany the strong winds with some locally heavy downpours.”

Rain in the southwest this evening will spread countrywide overnight, followed by a brief clearance to showers. Southerly winds will increase strong to gale force & gusty towards dawn, with further heavy rain moving into Atlantic coastal counties by morning. Lowest temps 4 to 8°C pic.twitter.com/0SVyScXoLz

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 27, 2018

A Yellow wind warning is also in place for all counties tomorrow from 5am tomorrow.

“The weather will continue very changeable and inclement for the rest of the week. Gales will abate somewhat, but further spells of heavy rain can be expected on Wednesday night – especially over eastern counties.”

Road safety 

Road users are asked to exercise extreme caution, particularly tomorrow morning, due to surface water on roads and debris due to forecasted adverse weather conditions. “Watch out for wind-blown debris on the roads and be particularly mindful of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists,” advise AA Roadwatch.