Severe weather alerts issued ahead of Storm Diana, Ireland

The Irish Meteorological Service (Met Eireann) has issued Wind Warnings for Wednesday, November 28, 2018, ahead of the approaching Storm Diana. A Yellow warning is in effect nationwide and Orange for southwestern counties.

Tonight will again be wet and windy, but Wednesday will turn very windy, with strong to gale force and very blustery winds.

Orange wind warning, valid 06:00 – 12:00 LT, November 28, was issued for six southwestern counties – Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, Galway and Clare.

The counties are expected to be hit by winds of 65 to 80 km/h (40 – 50 mph) and gusts of 110 to 130 km/h (70 – 80 mph).

High seas will also lead to a risk of coastal flooding, Met Eireann warns.

Yellow wind warning, valid 05:00 – 16:00 LT, November 28, was issued for the entire country. South to southwest winds of 55 – 65 km/h (34 – 40 mph) are expected with gusts to 110 km/h (70 mph).

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to exercise caution while using the roads and to check local weather and traffic conditions before setting out on a trip. 

RSA issued the following advice:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. 
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road. 
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong crosswinds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds. 
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists. 
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times. 

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are also being asked to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or belts, and to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extreme windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow people onto the path of an oncoming vehicle. 

Featured image credit: Met Eireann