AN Irish weather expert has warned that a second storm due to descend on the country later this week could be more of a threat than Storm Helene, due to arrive later today.
Ireland’s national forecaster, Met Eireann, has already issued one weather warning ahead of Storm Helene’s arrival, and is expected to issue more this afternoon.
A status yellow rain warning for Galway and Mayo will come into effect at midday today with a risk of flooding in parts of the west of Ireland.
Met Eireann also said yellow level warning criteria might be reached in counties Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, Meath and Louth if necessary.
Between 25mm and 40mm of rain is expected to fall this evening.
Although Storm Helene is due to subside tomorrow, weather expert Alan O’Reilly claims a second storm due to arrive on Wednesday could be a “bigger concern”.
Writing on the Carlow Weather Facebook page, O’Reilly said: “Wednesday sees another system approach from the west and this will bring much stronger gusts to many areas but especially western coastal counties.
“Based on current data I would expect this system to be named Storm Ali, but that will depend on it meeting Met Eireann’s requirements.
“Another storm could arrive Thursday night into Friday but the track is uncertain and it may miss us and head for the UK.”
He added that the oncoming system could become the first named storm of the season if it reaches the necessary criteria.
Met Eireann revealed last week that our first winter storm will be named Storm Ali.
Describing today's weather overall, Met Eireann said: "Cloudy this morning with outbreaks of rain and freshening southerly winds. Rain clearing for some parts of country this afternoon but further heavy rain along western coastal counties. Close and humid with highs of 17C to 19C.
"Further rain overnight, heavy and persistent at times. Lows of 12C to 15C. Winds becoming fresh westerly later in the night."
Wednesday is still looking very windy with some heavy rain in the West, this system may come to be called #StormAli if it reaches the criteria. pic.twitter.com/38lmFhJqsh
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 17, 2018
