Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for Galway as Storm Dudley is set to bring fierce winds to the west of Ireland this week.
A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, and Donegal from noon Wednesday to the same time Thursday.
Westerly winds associated with Storm Dudley will reach mean speeds of 50 – 65km/hr during this time.
Damaging gusts of up to 110km/hr are also predicted by Met Eireann, with stronger winds still on exposed coasts and on high ground.
A combination of high tide and strong winds will lead to some coastal flooding.
This warning will be updated on Tuesday morning as Met Eireann continues to track Storm Dudley.
Donegal is likely to see the worst effects of the storm, with a status orange wind warning issued for the northwestern county for Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
A Gale warning has also been issued for all Irish coastal waters during Storm Dudley, with southwesterly winds, veering westerly, reaching gale force 8 or strong gale force 9 on Wednesday and Thursday.
Met Éireann meteorologist, Emer Flood said: “It’s been a fairly quiet year so far but that’s all going to change this week as an active jet stream steers several low-pressure systems across Ireland and the UK.”
“On Wednesday Storm Dudley will bring strong winds to mainly northern and western areas, these strong winds in combination with high tides will lead to large coastal waves and some coastal flooding.”
Unfortunately, Dudley is only the first half of a very unsettled week ahead, as it will be followed by Storm Eunice on Friday, which will bring more widespread strong winds, along with spells of heavy rain & possibly snow.
“As Storm Dudley clears eastwards on Thursday morning winds will ease for a time, before picking up again on Friday morning as Storm Eunice approaches,” Emer Flood said.
“We’re keeping a close eye on this Storm as there is the potential for more widespread strong winds across Ireland which may lead to some disruption and damage.”
“Along with strong winds, Eunice is expected to bring spells of heavy rain and potentially some snow.”
“We’re advising the public to keep a close eye on the weather forecast as the week progresses as further weather warnings are likely to be issued.”
