120km/h gusts expected with arrival of Storm Eva

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for Galway tomorrow (Wednesday), with 120km/h gusts as Storm Eva arrives.

The storm – the fifth of the season – has been christened ‘Eva’ and is expected to be at its worst between 4pm and 9pm.

“A developing storm is expected to track to the west and northwest of Ireland later Wednesday and Wedensday night and will bring some severe winds to coastal counties of the west and northwest of Ireland.

“The storm has been named Eva, as there is an Orange Status wind warning in operation for counties Galway, mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Clare.

“Southerly winds veering southwest of mean speeds of 60 to 65km/h gusting 100 to 110km/h are expected, with stronger winds of mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of 120km/h at times between 4pm and 9pm,” a Met Éireann spokesperson said.

The orange warning is in place from 1pm until midnight. Orange warnings are issued for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas.

According to Met Éireann: “The issue of an Orange level weather warning implies that all recipients in the affected areas should prepare themselves in an appropriate way for the anticipated conditions.”

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads.

The RSA is asking road users to take extra care in these strong winds and have issued the following advice:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling

Advice to Pedestrians and Cyclists:

• Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt
• Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.