Orange Wind Warning Expanded to Donegal and Clare as Storm Ashley Gets Intense
Met Éireann has upgraded its Weather alert to include counties Donegal and Clare under an Orange Wind Warning with Storm Ashley continuing to grow. This is an escalation in the severity of the upcoming storm and people in Ireland are preparing themselves for severe weather conditions across a number of areas.
The Orange Wind Warning at first applied only to counties Mayo and Galway, but the forecast was worsened, triggering the alert to mushroom. People in the areas that are forecast to be hit by the coming storm are being told to do all they can to protect themselves ahead of Storm Ashley.
Greater Impact With Expanded Orange Wind Warning
Yesterday, Met Éireann issued an Orange Wind Warning for Co Mayo and Co Galway, advising that Storm Ashley will bring “very strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides.” The wind warning will remain in effect from 12 p.m. tomorrow, until 9pm tomorrow.
However, Donegal and Clare have been added to the alert, with the worsening weather forecast indicating that Storm Ashley has become nastier. Wind speeds in these regions could become dangerous with wind gusts up to 130 km/h.
But Storm Ashley isn’t just putting Ireland to the test as it is extended across UK. The national Status Yellow wind warning along with the Orange Wind Warning will be in place from midnight tonight until 3 a.m. on Monday.
Though less severe than the Orange Wind Warning, this Warning still reflects significant risk; in particular along coastal areas where high winds will likely cause disruptions.
Risk of Flooding and Storm Surge Along The Coastal Areas
Storm Ashley brings high winds and an increased risk of flooding because, in coastal locations, high spring tides will coincide with when the storm will be at its peak.
Large waves are predicted to hit the south and west coasts, which would also overpower sea defences and cause localised flooding. Flood defences have already been compromised by previous storms this season in these areas, so they have been on high alert anyway.
But these conditions, and especially when combined with the high spring tides, can lead to significant flooding along the south and west coasts, Met Éireann warned
Coastal communities in counties Cork, Kerry, Clare and Galway should expect to be the most affected, with sandbags already distributed and flood barriers being reinforced.
Storm Ashley’s Expected Peak
Storm Ashley is expected to bring the worst weather to the areas affected by the storms with peak winds expected early tomorrow morning and again tomorrow afternoon.
Coastal residents and people in low lying areas are advised to take immediate action to protect property from the force of the storm. Storm Ashley will also bring isolated thunderstorms to make for some dangerous and unpredictable weather.
An Orange Wind Warning advises caution, as the wind can almost instantly whip up and blow with great power, toppling weakened structures and endangering anyone caught outside as the storm blows through. Power outages are expected as winds are high enough to damage power lines and interrupt essential services.
More Rain Warnings in Place
Along with the Orange Wind Warning, a Status Yellow Rain Warning has also been issued for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. The rain warning will be through midnight to 9 a.m. tomorrow.
A combination of heavy rainfall and high winds from Storm Ashley is expected to cause difficult travel conditions and an increased risk of localised flooding. Recently, parts of many areas have already had a fair bit of recent rainfall and are thus at particularly high risk of flooding.
Businesses and homeowners in Bantry still reeling from a major flooding event this month in Co Cork have also been hit hard. If it happened, 65mm of rain is expected in just 12 hours, pooling beyond local drainage systems and causing damage across the board.
Sandbags have been handed out to property owners in vulnerable areas ahead of the storm, while local councils are urging residents to build flood barriers before it arrives.
Caution Urged by Authorities on Roads and at Sea
Extreme caution when travelling over the weekend has been urged by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to all road users parallel to the Orange Wind Warning. Driving conditions will be treacherous as a result of heavy rain, and extremely high winds.
Flooding and debris blown onto roadways by the storm are expected to make coastal roads particularly hazardous. It also warned of dangerous sea conditions as the Atlantic will be battered with strong and gale force southwest winds.
Image Source: Bloomberg.com
Storm force conditions will also be brought to the west and northwest coasts, where they present a serious threat to vessels at sea. In issuing the Orange Wind Warning, Met Eireann warned mariners to avoid venturing out at the height of the storm, and those ashore to remain well away from the coast where giant waves may prove hazardous..
Preparations Underway in High Risk Areas
Emergency services and local councils around the country are readying themselves for Storm Ashley. The council has told residents and businesses, particularly in low lying areas susceptible to flooding, in Cork City what to do.
Road ponding and possible road flooding is now expected to affect these areas, including Morrison’s Quay, Fr. Mathew Quay, Union Quay and South Terrace as the storm advances.
It has been advised to the residents in these areas to keep flood barriers in place overnight and be vigilant as the storm arrives in the issued Orange Wind Warning. The Dublin city council has also warned that high tide is expected to exacerbate the flooding risk, with high water levels forecast at 7:30 pm today.
Sandbags are already being distributed to members of the local community and emergency measures are being put in place to minimise damage from Storm Ashley. This storm is a major concern too for those who are still recovering from the last flood and worry that area defences have already been weakened by recent events.
Conclusion
Ireland is gearing up for a serious weather event as Storm Ashley creeps ever closer, putting its coastal defences and infrastructure to the test after the issuance of Orange Wind Warning by the authorities.
Donegal, Clare, Mayo, and Galway have been added to the Orange Wind Warning for potential for widespread disruption including high winds, flooding and dangerous sea conditions over much of the country.
Orange Wind Warning is a serious warning for people living in affected areas to take all precautions to protect homes and businesses, and personal safety. Given that high spring tides and heavy rainfall will combine with wind gusts expected to reach up to 130 km/h/
Storm Ashley is expected to cause damage, disrupt travel and cause power outages. Low lying or coastal areas should be vigilant while the storm comes in and heed the advice of local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current weather alert status for Storm Ashley?
Met Éireann has upgraded the alert to an Orange Wind Warning for counties Donegal and Clare as Storm Ashley intensifies.
When will the Orange Wind Warning be in effect?
The Orange Wind Warning will be in effect from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. tomorrow, with Storm Ashley expected to peak during these hours.
What areas are most at risk of flooding from Storm Ashley?
Coastal areas, particularly in counties Cork, Kerry, Clare, and Galway, are at high risk due to high spring tides and large waves caused by Storm Ashley.
How severe are the winds expected to be during Storm Ashley?
Winds could gust up to 130 km/h in areas under the Orange Wind Warning, posing a risk of damage and power outages.
What safety precautions are advised for those affected by Storm Ashley?
Residents in affected areas should secure their properties, use flood barriers, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of Storm Ashley.
