AFTER ELLEN, HERE COMES FRANCIS..
Just as Storm Ellen passes, Francis arrives
THREE weather warnings including a Status Orange alert are in place today as Storm Francis unleashed itself on Ireland.
Just days after Storm Ellen ripped through the country, experts braced the public for “severe gusts” of up to 110kph and “torrential downpours” of up to 60mm with a risk of flooding and structural damage.
And the wild August weather is set to continue for much of today.
Met Eireann issued a wind warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford yesterday.
The Status Orange alert, which is the second highest level of threat, came into effect at 9pm last night and will stay in place until 5pm today.
A Met Eireann forecaster said:
“Intense rainfall associated with Storm Francis was expected at times last night and today leading to accumulations of 40mm to 60mm.
“These values will be higher values in mountainous areas.
“The most intense rainfall is expected to ease off in southern counties this morning but some flash flooding likely.”
Meanwhile, a 24-hour Status Yellow rainfall alert has been issued for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
It came into effect at 9pm last night and will remain in place until 9pm tonight.
A third warning for Munster, Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford will be active from early this morning The Status Yellow wind alert is in place from 6am today until 7pm this evening.
A Met Eireann forecaster cautioned: “Very windy or stormy conditions are expected on Tuesday as Storm Francis crosses Ireland.
“South-west winds veering westerly, reaching mean speeds of 55kmh to 65kmh, will bring widespread severe gusts of 90kmh to 110kmh [and possibly higher in exposed areas].
“Some disruption is likely and possibly structural damage.”
Warm temperatures are expected for the rest of the week but it will remain unsettled, with any sunshine joined by further spells of wet weather.”