File photo of waves crashing at Rosscarbery, west Cork during a Status Yellow wind warning in September. Alamy Stock Photo
STORM BOELO
Storm Boelo is blowing in.
STORM BOELO IS set to bring heavy rain and wind to parts of the country today as it blows in from the west.
The public are being urged to take caution, especially when using the roads, and prepare for potential impacts like flooding and fallen trees.
Met Éireann has issued multiple weather warnings for throughout today:
- A Status Orange rain warning in Kerry from 7am to 2pm
- A Status Orange wind warning in Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo from 2pm today until 9am on Sunday
- A Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo from 4am today to 3pm on Sunday
- A Status Yellow wind warning for Clare, Kerry, Limerick and all of Connacht from 1pm today until noon on Sunday
- A Status Yellow wind warning for Cavan and Monaghan from 6pm today until noon on Sunday
In the five counties covered by the Status Orange wind warning starting this afternoon, Met Éireann expects there to be gale force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts.
The forecaster has warned there could be damage to structures that are already weak, as well as to power lines and power outages.
Coastal flooding is possible and there will likely be “very difficult travelling conditions and dangerous conditions at sea”.
Fallen trees, public transport delays, large coastal waves and loose objects coming displaced are also risks.
In Kerry, during the Status Orange rain warning, Met Éireann is urging the public to prepare for potential damage to homes and businesses and disruption and delays to public transport.
There could be flooding, disruption to outdoor events, and very difficult travelling conditions.
Storm Boelo is the second named storm of this winter’s storm season, following swiftly behind Storm Austen which hit late on Thursday and into Friday morning.
Met Éireann has said that Storm Boelo may exacerbate conditions that were created by Storm Austen, like saturated soils, high river levels, surface flooding and weakened trees.
“The impacts of Storm Boelo are likely to more noticeable as the rain and winds will be during the day and will be for a prolonged period,” the forecaster has said.
“As people are out and about for the Bank holiday weekend, caution is advised.”