Coast Guard warning over ‘unseasonably windy’ weather – RTE.ie

The Irish Coast Guard has warned people to have a "heightened awareness" regarding the risks on the coast after Met ireann issued Status Yellow warnings for windy conditions.

Met ireann said it will be "unseasonably windy today" with fresh to strong, gusty southerly winds, reaching gale force on Atlantic coasts with rough seas. There will be rough conditions on inland lakes too.

A Status Yellow wind warning for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo is in place until 3pm.

A similar alert for Cork has been lifted.

Two gale warnings are in effect.

On the Irish Sea, north of Anglesey, southerly winds will occasionally reach gale force eight until 6pm.

Elsewhere, south to southwest gale force eight or strong gale force nine winds, becoming southwesterly, are forecast on coasts from Slyne Head to Erris Head to Malin Head until midnight.

Michael O'Toole, Operations Manager with the Irish Coast Guard, said this short period of severe weather could mean gusts of up to 90km/hr and, with gale warnings, could result in rough and high seas.

On RT's Morning Ireland, he said his advice is, where possible, for people to avoid exposed or hazardous coastal spots and to heed the advice of authorities and lifeguards.

Mr O'Toole also said people should consider rescheduling activities over this weekend in the context of the weather alerts.

He also warned that when winds abate there could be heightened sea and swells and areas where people have been enjoying water activities may pose a challenge.

Mr O'Toole said the Irish public is embracing the coast and with the phenomenon of staycations, the Coast Guard has been busier this year compared to last year, assisting people and rescuing those in distress.

Met ireann said it will remain windy tonight near northern and western coasts but southwest winds will moderate elsewhere.

Scattered showers will continue in the west and north, but showers will be isolated over the rest of the country with long clear spells.

Tomorrow will be blustery with fresh or strong westerly winds. There will be a mix of sunny spells and showers.

Saturday will see wet weather edge further northwards and the forecaster said the rain is likely to be heavy in places with spot flooding.

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Coast Guard warning over 'unseasonably windy' weather - RTE.ie