Orange Weather Warning Issued Ahead Of Storm Ellen

Met Éireann has issued an orange weather warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Ellen coming in from the west.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and winds of up to 100 km/h.

The orange status is for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Waterford, although these conditions can effect the whole island. The rest of Ireland is being placed under a status yellow weather warning.

However, Met Éireann's Head of Forecasting Evelyn Cusack has said that "orange level impacts may potentially occur over any part of the island”.

These impacts include infrequent and dangerous weather conditions that could potentially threaten life and property.

Cusack added that "tourists in exposed locations in particular will be at risk" due to the wet and unseasonable conditions.

#StormEllen will produce severe impacts in place this evening & tonight.

Mild & cloudy,rain at times. Highs of 17 to 20C.
Very windy or stormy conditions spreading from the south this evening with damaging gusts.
This satellite animation shows the development of #StormEllen. pic.twitter.com/5xVZLuZi7M

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) August 19, 2020

Met Éireann have also warned of a potential risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds.

Warnings have also been issued by the Irish Coast Guard and the Road Safety Authority in anticipation of Storm Ellen.

The Coast Guard urged people to take care in coastal locations, with high spring tides anticipated early in the day. They also warned of becoming isolated in low tide locations, as the infrequent weather could change in an instant.

The Road Safety Authority have implored road users to be careful in affected areas and to check local traffic and weather reports before setting out on a journey.

Also, the strong winds are set to cause disruption to travel and power lines.