Met Éireann forecasts Storm Ashley double whammy

Met Éireann has put Ireland on alert for a double hit of stormy weather as Storm Ashley hits Ireland.

A commentary from the forecaster says Storm Ashley is a low-pressure system originating in the western North Atlantic, on the southern side of the Jet Stream. It is expected to travel quickly sweep eastwards over the Atlantic this weekend and undergo rapid deepening later on Saturday. The system will become a storm depression as it swings up to the west and northwest of Ireland on Saturday night and Sunday

Met Éireann’s meteorologist Liz Walsh expects a two waves of bad weather from Storm Ashley.

“Storm Ashley will bring strong southerly winds overnight on Saturday night and early Sunday with a second wave of even stronger south-westerly winds, accompanied by damaging gusts across the country, from mid-morning on Sunday, right though the afternoon and into the evening in some parts. MORE BELOW CHART.

“We are currently in a period of exceptionally high spring tides, and this, tied in with the strong winds and high waves, will substantially increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially along Atlantic coasts,” she said.

Met Éireann has issued an Orange Wind Warning for some western counties and a Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland, for Sunday, but the warnings are likely to be updated as more information as the forecaster's high-resolution models comes in and is analysed by the forecaster's meteorologists. MORE BELOW CHART.

KEY INFORMATION – Met Éireann SUMMARY OF Storm Ashley IMPACTS

• Coastal flooding: Storm Surges are expected to reach between 0.5 metre to 1 metre on Sunday evening combined with onshore waves and high tides Clare, Galway and Mayo Coastlines will be particularly at risk for coastal flooding including wave overtopping in low-lying and exposed areas.
• Large coastal waves: Due to the strong winds between 1m to 3m are forecast in the western bays on Sunday, with offshore waves reach up to 10m. This will add to the like hood of coastal flooding.
• Dangerous conditions at sea
• Flying debris, loose objects displaced
• Fallen trees
• Very difficult travelling conditions
• Damage to power lines, power outages
• Damage to already weakened structures

WATCH LIVE: Follow Storm ASHLEY as it hits Ireland #STORMASHLEY

Storm Lillian on windy.com weather tracker

 

Met Éireann says warnings are likely to be updated through the weekend so it adises the public to keep in touch with Met Éireann’s social media channels, www.met.ie and the Met Éireann app.

It says the timing and location of extreme weather occurrences can significantly affect their impact. It’s important to note that in any individual weather event, not every location within a warning area may experience the same degree of weather or impacts.

When severe weather is expected, weather and impacts at lower levels are also likely to be experienced. The type and level of impacts can be strongly affected by previous weather conditions. When issuing a warning, Met Éireann says it takes into consideration the forecasted conditions and thresholds, as well as previous weather conditions that may increase the level of impact expected for particular areas.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER

• Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).
• Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.
• Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.
• Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.
• Advance planning for flooding: You can consult the OPW flood maps, which show areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data (see www.floodinfo.ie).
• Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
• Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
• Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.
• While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.

You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times
“Be Winter Ready”: Follow recommendations before, during and after the event on gov.ie – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)