An orange wind warning has been extended to cover four counties ahead of Storm Ashley’s arrival on the island of Ireland. The Met Office has upgraded warnings for the UK in the face of the oncoming storm. Clare and Donegal have been added to the orange alert that initially covered Mayo and Galway. The warning for Ireland will be in place from 12pm to 9pm on Sunday.
Met Eireann said the first named storm of the season will bring very strong and gusty south to south-west winds, coupled with high spring tides. The counties covered could see gusts of up to 130kph – 80mph. The forecaster mentioned the possibility of coastal flooding, large coastal waves, displacement of loose objects, fallen trees, very difficult travelling conditions, dangerous conditions at sea, damage to power lines and potential power outages, and damage to already weakened structures.
The rest of the island is covered by a yellow wind warning. In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning from 3 am on Sunday to just before midnight. Met Eireann has also issued a yellow rain warning for seven counties in Ireland.
Injuries and danger to life are likely in the UK during the 80mph winds set to hit parts of the UK this weekend in the first named storm of the season, according to the Met Office. An amber weather warning has been issued for the north-west of Scotland on Sunday, along with a yellow warning for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of north-west England and Wales.
The warning for north-west Scotland will be in force from 9 am on Sunday until midnight, while the yellow warning will be in effect between 3 am and midnight. The Met Office mentioned the potential for power cuts, damage to buildings, disruptions to transport services, and coastal flooding. The winds are expected to peak in the evening on Sunday, with Storm Ashley forecasted to clear on Monday.
Transport Scotland has alerted the public to likely disruptions in public transport, including the ferry network. Families travelling during the October school holidays have been advised to check for cancellations and be cautious of the severe weather conditions.