CO CLARE has been placed under a status red wind warning by Met Éireann.
Northwesterly winds will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with severe or damaging gusts in excess of 130km/h have been forecast for Co Clare when Storm Barra arrives from 6am on Tuesday morning.
High waves, high tides, heavy rain and a storm surge will lead to wave overtopping and the significant prospect of coastal flooding in Clare. The county is expected to get its heaviest downfall of rain overnight approaching Tuesday morning with heavy showers that afternoon and evening.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for Clare, valid from 06:00 on Tuesday, 7th December, to 06:00 on Wednesday, 8th December, warning that on Tuesday and Tuesday night, due to Storm Barra, southerly winds, later becoming to northwesterly, will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/hr with severe or damaging gusts of up to 130km/hr, possibly higher in coastal areas.
Disruption to power and travel are likely. Clare County Council is appealing to members of the public to exercise caution and avoid coastal areas which are expected to be the worst affected.
There are particular risks during storms on high ground and people are asked to avoid being outdoors at such locations. Road users should be vigilant for any fallen trees and debris on roads over the coming days, as well as the possibility of localised flash flooding. Essential travel only is advised for the duration of the storm.
Business owners, caravan parks, homeowners and members of the public are advised that caravans should be securely tied down and any street furniture, including parasols and awnings, should be taken indoors or fully secured.
Peter O’Donnell of Irish Weather Online detailed that winds are to pick up from midnight with south to south-west winds strengthening to 70-110km/hr in coastal locations by Tuesday morning.
As Storm Barra approaches the Galway Bay area on Tuesday morning “winds will abate for several hours as the slack central portion of the system moves in. South-west winds will veer to west-northwest during the course of the day, reaching 90 to 130 km/hr with the risk of even higher gusts in exposed coastal areas of Clare. Squally showers and thunderstorms can be expected. Temperatures will be steady in the 7-9 C range but will drop as the day progresses. There is considerable potential for disruption and damaging winds, with coastal flooding likely. The effects are expected to be worst in west Munster but that could extend into parts of Galway at times,” he stated.
The Coast Guard is appealing to all mariners and coastal communities to be mindful of the severe weather warnings and to note the imminent arrival of Storm Barra. The Coast Guard is also appealing to anybody considering any form of coastal or open water recreation to be mindful of the risk posed by forecasted Storm conditions. Walkers are advised to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront and cliff walkways, as they may be hit by sudden gusts, exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.
All other forms of open water recreation should be avoided, including by experienced practitioners, as it may result in arousing public concerns and causing rescue services to be alerted.
