110km/h gusts prompt Christmas warning for road users

Road users have been warned to be extra careful if travelling on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with gusts of up to 110km/h expected.

A Status Yellow wind warning is in operation for Galway since midday (Christmas Eve) and is in place until 6am on St Stephen’s Day.

Until 3pm on Christmas Day, southwest winds will reach mean speeds between 50 and 65km/h with gusts between 65 and 80km/h, with strongest winds on the coasts in Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

From 3pm Christmas Day, the warning is for westerly winds with mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h and gusts of up to 110km/ for Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. That warning is in place until 6am on Monday.

Tonight and tomorrow, there will be outbreaks of heavy rain, becoming persistent at times, which could lead to localised flooding.

Meanwhile, the AA has warned road users to be vigilant and expect dangerous conditions.

“Wind-blown debris is likely to be a problem on secondary roads in particular. Bear in mind that high-sided vehicles are especially vulnerable on open or exposed roads. Be particularly mindful of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians,” the AA warning reads.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has asked members of the public to be mindful of the weather.

“Many people will be engaging in outdoor activities along the coastline, be it on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or other coastal areas.

“The simple safety message is; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.

“There is a risk of some stormy weather on Christmas Day. A general improvement in weather conditions conducive to outdoor activities, is forecast from St Stephen’s Day. Spring tides that generate higher tides, peak in the latter part of the week and pose an additional risk.

“Lone swimming should be avoided and all swimmers should be cognisant that time in the water should be kept to a minimum as even the most experienced of swimmers can easily succumb to cramp or cold water shock.

“The three Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centres based in Malin, Valentia and Dublin, along with the Coast Guard Helicopter service and Coast Guard Volunteer units will remain operational over the holiday period.”