Met Éireann issue Status Orange wind warning for Midwest counties

MET ÉIREANN have issued a Status Orange wind warning for the Midwest, particularly in county Clare.

Strong to gale force westerly winds are forecast in the wake of Storm Gerrit which brought heavy rainfall across Christmas and St Stephens's Day.

Coastal flooding is likely, coupled with spring tides.

The warning, issued this Wednesday morning for Clare and Galway, will be in place from 3.00pm Wednesday evening to 12.00am Thursday morning.

There is also a Status Yellow wind and rain warning for Limerick and the rest of Ireland valid since 8.00pm on Tuesday,  December 26, until12.00am Thursday, December 28.

The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period, and the Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.

Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.

There are particular risks during storms on high ground and people are asked to avoid being outdoors at such locations.