Storm Ali to hit Galway with gusts up to 120km/h

Gusts of up to 120km/h are expected in Galway on Wednesday as Storm Ali hits the West coast.

The first storm of the season, Ali has now been officially named by Met Éireann, which has issued a Status Orange wind warning, which will be in place from 5am to 1pm tomorrow.

The warning is in place for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Meath, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry.

Storm Ali will track close to the West and Northwest coast from the early hours of Wednesday morning until late afternoon.

South to southwest winds veering westerly will increase to mean speeds between 65 and 80km/h with gusts between 110 and 120km/h for a time in some areas. Winds will be strongest along Atlantic Coasts at first and later in the morning extending further east.

A statement from Galway City Council said: “The City Council weather assessment team met this morning to review the warning. Due to the wind speed and direction, there is a chance of wave over-topping at Salthill. Roads crews will be on standby from early morning to close the Prom Road as dictated by weather conditions.

“It is anticipated that the Prom Road will definitely be closed tomorrow morning, but the exact times will be decided by crews on the ground. Both car parks in Salthill will be closed this evening as a precaution.”