Storm Darragh: Ireland Battening Down the Hatches

Met Éireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, has issued a series of weather warnings as Storm Darragh, named by the UK Met Office, prepares to sweep across the island. The storm, anticipated to hit Friday night and Saturday, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain, prompting concerns about potential disruption and damage.

Initial Yellow Warnings and Thursday's Forecast

Initially, a status yellow wind warning was issued for six counties – Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo – taking effect from 1 pm to 9 pm on Thursday. These counties were warned to expect strong and very gusty west to northwest winds, with potential impacts including falling branches, localized debris, and difficult traveling conditions. Met Éireann's forecast for Thursday indicates that rain will spread eastward, clearing in the afternoon, followed by scattered showers. Moderate southerly winds will shift to northwesterly, intensifying to fresh to strong and very gusty conditions, reaching gale force near the west and north coasts in the late afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to reach 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.

Thursday night will see continued windy conditions initially, with scattered showers. However, the winds will gradually ease, with showers becoming isolated and primarily affecting coastal areas in the north and west. There will be clear spells but increasing cloud cover from the west overnight.

Friday's Forecast and Uncertainty

Met Éireann acknowledged uncertainty in the forecast for Friday and Friday night, largely depending on the path and development of a low-pressure area expected to move eastward across southern Ireland. The most likely scenario, according to Met Éireann, is a cloudy day on Friday, with some heavy rain and localized flooding, predominantly across the southern half of the country. Lighter rain is anticipated further north. Temperatures will be cooler, ranging from 5 to 9 degrees Celsius generally, but milder (9 to 13 degrees) in southern areas. Southern areas will experience increasingly windy conditions, with fresh to strong and gusty winds developing; however, winds will be lighter further north.

A Less Likely but Still Possible Scenario

A more northerly track of the low-pressure area could lead to more widespread heavy rain and localized flooding across the country, accompanied by very windy conditions. Met Éireann notes that this is a less likely scenario but remains a possibility, and forecast updates may be issued. The uncertainty emphasizes the need for preparedness across the nation.

Status Orange Warnings and Weekend Outlook

As Storm Darragh approaches, Met Éireann escalated warnings to status orange. Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow are under a status orange wind warning, effective from 10 pm Friday to 9 am Saturday. These regions should prepare for very strong and gusty northwest winds. Furthermore, a status yellow heavy rain warning is in place for many counties, including Connacht and other midland and eastern counties. This warning covers Friday and Saturday, indicating a likelihood of heavy rainfall and potentially localized flooding. High winds are expected Friday night, with temperatures possibly dropping to freezing. While there's currently low certainty about the effect of this on the viewing of the Late Late Toy Show, potential impacts from Storm Darragh are being carefully monitored.

Saturday and Beyond

Saturday is predicted to be cold and breezy, with sunny spells and blustery showers. Some hail and sleet are expected, with potential for snow on higher ground. These conditions will be more widespread in the north and west, gradually moving across the country throughout the day. Temperatures will range from 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, but it'll feel significantly colder due to wind chill.

The national outlook indicates unsettled weather in the short term, with rain or showers. Some wintry conditions are possible over the weekend as temperatures drop, accompanied by windy spells. Settled weather and lighter winds are predicted toward the end of the weekend and into early next week, but it'll remain cold with potential frost and fog.

Preparing for the Storm

Given the potential for power outages, difficult travelling conditions, falling branches, localised debris and flooding, it is crucial to prepare for the impact of Storm Darragh. Stay informed, take necessary precautions, and be vigilant for further updates from Met Éireann.

Remember to stay up to date with the latest weather warnings and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and wellbeing throughout the storm.