NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOWOUT
Storm Dylan wreaks havoc across Ireland
THIS year looks set to go out with a bang as Storm Dylan wreaked havoc across Ireland last night.
The country was battered by heavy showers and gale force winds and the wintry weather is set to continue until this afternoon.
The west and north-west experienced the worst of the conditions with gusts reaching 77mph.
Areas along the west coast were at risk of flooding last night due to high seas whipped up by the ferocious winter storm.
Met Eireann issued a Status Orange wind warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford, Louth, Westmeath, Meath and Clare as the gusts approached.
It was initially in place from 9pm last night until 6am today but was extended until 12 noon.
A less severe Status Yellow warning is also in place for counties Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
These areas have been experiencing high winds reaching speeds of 40mph with gusts of 68mph.
Met Eireann said today will continue to be very windy and stormy over the northern half of the country.
The forecaster said: “Very strong and gusty west to south-west winds will persist for a time with further severe gusts of up to 77mph. In the late morning winds will however begin to ease. “There will be sunshine and heavy, possibly thundery showers through the day too. Feeling cool with highest temperatures of 6C to 9C.” Tomorrow is set to bring a mix of sunshine and showers as we enter 2018.