AN orange weather warning has been issued for several counties across Ireland as Storm Callum is set to bring 130 km/h winds to the country later today.
The weather warning has been issued for Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cork, Waterford, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry and will remain in place from 10pm tonight until 9am on Friday.
Wind Warnings have been issued for Storm Callum for Thursday night and Friday morning.
Orange level for coastal counties, Yellow level inland.
Warning info: https://t.co/b24grJkqcb#StormCallum pic.twitter.com/amkehhcOYS— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 10, 2018
Storm Callum will hit counties Cork and Kerry first later today with gales expected to reach 130 km/h in places.
Ireland’s national forecaster Met Eireann has also warned of severe flooding along coasts.
A yellow wind warning is also in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Limerick and Tipperary.
The forecaster has advised people to stay away from exposed coastal areas for the duration of the warning.
"An orange level warning is issued by Met Éireann for wind speeds with the capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions which may constitute a risk to life and property," a spokesperson said.
Speaking this morning, Met Éireann meteorologist Harm Luijkz said tonight is to become "very windy as Storm Callum arrives".
"There will be storm force or gale force gusts, which can be severe or damaging.
"We have issued orange warnings for the coastal counties, and yellow warnings for the inland counties.
"There will be rain later tonight and, combined with winds and high tides, there is a risk of coastal flooding.
"We are advising people to avoid coastal areas during this event."
#Storm Callum is the third storm of the season so far. pic.twitter.com/DNfiwX705u
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 10, 2018
Measures are being taken by council crews and emergency services across the country to limit damage.
In Galway, council crews are rolling out the city's aquadam ahead of potential high-tides of up to six metres.
The Road Safety Authority has issued the following advice for road users:
- 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 cross winds. 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.
Callum is the third named storm of the 2018/19 season, following Ali and Bronagh which both camer in September.
