Public warned not to 'risk life for a photo' during storm

Met Éireann has urged the public to stay away from coasts during tomorrow's wind warnings as Ireland braces for Storm Ashley.

Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly said Storm Ashley is a "very serious storm" and there will be strong winds, particularly on west-facing coasts.

Speaking to RTÉ's Brendan O’Connor, she said the highest spring tides of the year are expected and there will be coastal flooding.

"We’ve kind of got a perfect storm going on here, it is very serious. The main message we need to get out is there is to stay away from the coasts.

"Don't risk your life for an Instagram photo," she said.

Ms Donnelly warned there is always a need to be aware of "your vulnerabilities to significant weather".

"You need to take responsibility for your own safety here, and be aware that these warnings can change.

"This is a small and fast-moving storm, it’s rapidly developing out there in the Atlantic at the moment, so keep an eye on how these warnings develop," she added.

Earlier, a Status Orange wind warning was upgraded to include counties Donegal and Clare.

Yesterday, Met Éireann issued an Orange wind warning for Co Mayo and Co Galway.

The Orange warning for the four counties will be in effect from 12pm until 9pm tomorrow.

The whole of Ireland will be under a Status Yellow wind warning from midnight tonight until 3am on Monday.

A separate Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for seven counties.

The warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford will come into effect 12am until 9am tomorrow.

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

Winds gusting up to 130 kilometres per hour may also cause power outages and damage power lines, and damage to weakened structures, the forecaster said.

These conditions, coupled with high spring tides, will bring a risk of flooding along the south and west coasts, with large waves expected.

The peak winds of Storm Ashley will occur very early tomorrow morning and again tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Isolated thunderstorms are also forecast.

The Road Safety Authority is advising road users to take extreme care when travelling over the weekend.

Met Éireann says strong to gale force southwest winds will bring the potential for some disruption, especially in Atlantic coastal areas, with storm-force winds off the west and northwest coasts.

In Bantry, Co Cork, businesses and homeowners have already begun preparing for a second flooding event in just over a fortnight.

Sand bags are being distributed to property owners in the town.

The Government was forced to open an aid scheme for businesses that were flooded there on 5 October after 65mm of rainfall fell in 12 hours, overwhelming the town's culvert system.

In Cork city, the council there has advised householders and businesses to take precautionary measures to protect their properties at high tide by erect flood barriers before high tide today, tomorrow and Monday.

It says the barriers should be left in place overnight.

The council says it is highly likely that road ponding/road flooding may occur in the low-lying areas of the city.

These areas include Morrison's Quay, Fr. Mathew Quay, Fr. Mathew Street, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill Street, Crosses Green, Sharman Crawford St,
Wandesford Quay and the South Mall, particularly on the southern side.

High tide will occur again in Cork just after 7.30pm this evening, and at 8am and 8.20pm tomorrow.

Cork City Council says it is not predicting widespread flooding of property due to Storm Ashley.