Storm Ashley has left thousands without power as gusts of 130km/h have been recorded along the west coast.
Kerry, Leitrim, Sligo, Clare, Donegal, Mayo and Galway are under a status-orange warning until 8pm on Sunday.
Met Éireann said the first named storm of the season is bringing very strong and gusty south to south-west winds, coupled with high spring tides.
Gusts of 130km/h were recorded at Mace Head at 12pm on Saturday.
Thousands of households were without power across a number of counties on Sunday afternoon, according to ESB Network’s fault map.
Most of the affected customers are in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cavan and Donegal.
In Galway, crews are working to restore power to parts of Clifden, Oughterard, Glenamaddy and Recess.
Wind observations for 12pm.
With the strong winds🍃 of #StormAshley making their way inland please take care and remember to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry” at all times during this event as conditions will be dangerous, especially near coasts🌊⚠️ pic.twitter.com/71pj0ruDWY
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 20, 2024
Met Éireann said there is a continued risk of coastal flooding, large coastal waves, displacement of loose objects, fallen trees, very difficult travelling conditions, dangerous conditions at sea, damage to power lines and potential power outages, and damage to already weakened structures.
The rest of the island is covered by a yellow wind warning until 3am on Monday.
Met Éireann has also issued a yellow rain warning for seven counties – Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford – until 9pm on Sunday.
Sandbags and flood defences in a shop doorway in Galway city centre on Sunday. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and various other stakeholders are monitoring weather conditions during the storm.
Local authority severe weather assessment teams (Swats) are also monitoring conditions. Authorities have local emergency response teams in place.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland has advised all road users to take extreme care over the weekend.
The RSA urged drivers to slow down and allow a greater braking distance in wet weather conditions.
