Two status yellow weather warnings have been issued for Galway and all of Ireland as Storm Ciara is expected to batter the west this weekend.
Galway will face a strong risk of flooding over Saturday and Sunday as Storm Ciara is expected to bring heavy wind and rain on Saturday and Sunday.
The status yellow wind warning will come into effect at 9am on Saturday, followed by the wind warning at midday.
On Saturday southerly winds will strengthen throughout the day according to Met Eireann, reaching average speeds of 50-65km/hr with gusts reaching 90-110km/hr.
That same day a heavy spell of rain will start in the west and spread eastwards throughout the day, with 20-40mm expected, highest in the west and northwest.
Storm Ciara will continue to bring very strong winds with a risk of damaging gusts on Sunday, with another spell of rain in the day which will clear to wintry showers.
Another 20-40mm of rain could fall on Sunday, amounting to 80mm over the two days.
The rainfall warning will expire at 3pm on Sunday, but the status yellow wind warning will remain in force until midnight.
Galway is also faced with the strong possibility of spot flooding due to heavy rain, as well as coastal flooding from the combination of Spring Tides and high seas as well as stormy conditions
Saturday will of course see people go to the polls for the general election, as well as the opening ceremony for Galway 2020 at South Park.
If the weather proves as poor as forecast it could impact turnout in both the election, and crowds down at South Park for the launch of the European Capital of Culture.
