Storm Ashley to bring strong winds as warnings issued

A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for Co Mayo and Co Galway on Sunday, as Met Éireann said Storm Ashley will "bring very strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides".

The warning will be in effect from 12pm until 9pm on Sunday.

The whole of Ireland will be under a Status Yellow warning wind from 10am on Sunday until midnight.

Met Éireann also warned of difficult travelling conditions and dangerous conditions at sea.

Powerful winds may also cause damage to power lines, power outages and damage to weakened structures, the forecaster said.

Galway City Council has said that businesses and home owners near the docks and coastal areas are advised to use sandbags which are available at the Spanish Arch, Claddagh Hall, the tourist kiosk at Salthill, the fire station on Fr Burke Road and the docks beside the pedestrian crossing on St Nicholas Street.

The council said that crews will provide further supplies of sandbags.

Risk of coastal flooding, particularly in Clare, Galway and Mayo

Met Éireann meteorologist Liz Gavin is warning of a "complicated mix of impacts" as the country prepares itself ahead of Storm Ashley.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne programme, Ms Gavin said that the storm will bring windy conditions, with gusts of up to 130km/h in the west.

"At present, a very windy period in store across the whole country on Sunday, with very strong to gale-force south to southwest winds, and coupled with high springtides, may result in some coastal impacts and cause some disruption," she said.

"In those areas in the west, we can expect to see winds in the range of 65 to 80km/h, but gusts well up to 110 or 130km/h."

She said that there is a "heightened risk" for coastal flooding along Atlantic coastal counties, with large coastal waves.

"Into the mix we do have some very difficult travelling conditions, and power outages are possible, so there is a complicated mix of impacts likely."

Met Éireann meteorologist Aoife Kealy warned of potential flooding in the west, ahead of the first named storm of the season.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One programme, Ms Kealy said that Storm Ashley will bring an increased risk of coastal flooding and wave overtopping in Clare, Mayo and Galway.

"This storm is coming at a time when we are experiencing some of the highest tides of the year," she said.

"The combination of these very high tides, along with storm-force winds on western coasts and significant storm surge means that there is a risk for coastal flooding around all coasts, but particularly along Clare, Galway and Mayo coasts."

Meanwhile Derry City and Strabane District Council has said that it is closing all public parks, play parks and grass pitches due to Storm Ashley.

It said that council outdoor sports and leisure facilities and courts will be closed, and that all matches due to take place on council pitches on 20 October have been cancelled.

RSA advises all users to take extreme care

The Road Safety Authority has advised all road users to take "extreme care" over the weekend in light of the Status Orange and Status Yellow warnings that have been issued.

For the Orange wind warning, it warned of difficult road conditions with the potential for fallen trees and debris as well as damaged power lines.

For the Yellow warning, which impacts the whole country, it has advised motorists to allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

It urged road users to avoid driving through flooded roads and to instead take alternative routes.

It told motorists to take special care when driving behind goods vehicles due to the increased levels of spray which reduces visibility.

It added that drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

The RSA issued additional advice for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, including increasing visibility, walking facing traffic on roads without footpaths and taking extra care when crossing the road.