Status orange warning for the entire country as Storm Isha makes landfall

STORM Isha is set to batter the country this evening as the cold snap gives way to very strong and gusty winds.

Met Éireann issued a status orange weather warning for the entire country yesterday afternoon, warning the conditions could cause fallen trees, damage to power lines, very difficult travelling conditions and large waves to break over coastal walls.

The wind warning comes into effect at 5pm for Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan and will last until 2am on Monday.

A separate status orange wind warning has been issued for Donegal, from 5pm on Sunday until 5am on Monday.

A status yellow wind warning is in place for the entire country from 11am today until 4am on Monday, with an extended yellow wind warning for counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo until 12pm on Monday. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged motorists to be cautious today and tomorrow and advised road users to slow down and allow greater braking distances in the wet weather, especially on motorways and dual carriageways, where there is a risk of aquaplaning.

Storm Isha is expected to track to the northwest of the country tomorrow, bringing strong southerly winds with rain and some heavy showers also forecast for today. It will be very windy overnight with rain continuing. Highest temperatures today will be between 10 and 13 degrees.

There is a chance of hail tomorrow. Met Éireann said there will be sunny spells and scattered showers, with highest temperatures of between 6 and 9 degrees.

Tuesday will be wet and windy with heavy rain at times while Wednesday will be mostly dry with sunny spells. It will turn more unsettled towards the end of the week.