#StormCiara: Orange weather warning issued for entire country

Met Éireann has upgraded its wind warning to Status Orange for the entire country for Sunday morning.

Warnings for high winds and very heavy rain have been issued for the weekend, with a red marine warning in operation for northwest coastal areas, according to the National Forecaster.

Gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour and stormy conditions are expected tomorrow. There will be a significant risk of coastal flooding, particularly on west and northwest coasts.

Today, during the afternoon, it will turn very wet across Munster, Connacht and Ulster with some spot flooding, rainfall elsewhere will be well scattered. Winds will strengthen and increase strong to gale force and gusty with severe gusts expected at times, and strong gales will occur along Atlantic Coasts with storm-force winds.

The rain will extend countrywide this evening with further localised flooding, especially across the western half of Ireland.

More orange level winds are expected with #StormCiara tomorrow, and additionally there is a status yellow rain warning in effect until 3 p.m. tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/3j4naF5pol

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 8, 2020

There is also a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Ireland in effect from 12pm today until 3pm tomorrow.

Do we even need to mention about securing trampolines, wheelie bins, garden furniture and minions? #StormCiara pic.twitter.com/Vip9yaXKHN

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 8, 2020

In Dublin, the Fire Brigade has reminded people to secure things like trampolines, wheelie bins and garden furniture.

Tonight

Further bands of heavy rain early tonight and again later in the night, with some heavy thundery bursts likely.

Sunday

It will be “extremely windy” and stormy in certain areas tomorrow morning with damaging gusts are expected throughout the country.

There is a significant risk of coastal flooding, especially in north-west and west coast. This risk will continue into the middle of next week.

Monday and Tuesday will be very cold and windy days with a significant wind chill factor. It will be very showery too, and wintry at times, with hail, sleet and snow.