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File image of Man and his dog watching big waves during a storm at Rosscarbery Pier, West Cork Alamy Stock Photo

Status Orange wind warning extended to seven more counties as Storm Bram set to hit Ireland

A separate rain warning will come into effect tonight in seven counties.

LAST UPDATE | 8 Dec 2025

A NATIONWIDE STATUS Yellow wind warning issued for tomorrow has been upgraded to Status Orange in 18 counties.

Strong and gusty southerly winds are expected, with gales possible near the coast.

In counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo, the warning will come into effect at 10am on Tuesday morning and expire at 9pm the same day.

Tonight, counties Cavan, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath were added to this list.

While in Cork, Kerry, Wexford and Waterford, the Status Orange warning will be in place from 7am to 3pm.

Kerry County Council has closed vehicle access to Rossbeigh Beach until further notice in the interest of public safety and added that the public is advised not to park on or near coastal areas during this period.

Meanwhile, Waterford County Council is making sandbags available and also closed a number of car parks from 5pm this evening. 

Met Éireann has warned that there could be wave overtopping, as well as loose objects flying around. Road users should take extra care.

Met Éireann has also issued a Status Red marine warning from Mizen Head to Slyne Head to Malin Head, which will be in place from 9am tomorrow until 11.30pm, with warnings that south to southwest winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) today convened a meeting of all Local Authorities, relevant Government Departments, state agencies and utility providers.

It has warned that the storm is a multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption.

It also noted that many parts of Ireland have experienced significant rainfall in recent weeks and that rain is expected to arrive in areas where ground levels are already saturated, and many rivers are already at capacity.

This brings a significant risk of flooding, particularly in Munster and coastal counties, where the timing of high tides may coincide with strong winds, creating a further risk of flooding.

The public is reminded that flooding is a risk for all areas due to the current conditions, and even counties with a yellow weather warning or no weather warning will remain at risk of flooding.

The NDFEM will continue to meet throughout this period and will continue to liaise with all relevant Departments and agencies to monitor the situation and to coordinate the appropriate response. 

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, added that strong winds can make driving conditions very hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Advice for public

The Irish Coast Guard told the public: “Stay back, stay high and stay dry.”

Keep away from coastal edges because there could be unexpected surges in the storm, wave overtopping or tidal flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

People should also stay away from swollen rivers and flooded riverbanks.

“Banks can collapse without warning, and water levels and currents may be stronger than usual,” the Office of Emergency Planning said in a statement.

The office also advised people to prepare for Storm Bram by charging their phones fully in case of a power cut.

Elsewhere, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) advised drivers to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route and do not attempt to drive through it as flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.

After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance as this helps to dry the brakes.

Drivers should also allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

Pedestrians should walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths and cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users.

Pedestrians and cyclists should also 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.

The ESB has warned the public to stay away from any fallen wires. Any spotted should be reported immediately to ESB Emergency Services on 1800 372 999. 

If you experience a power outage, you can check the estimated restoration time at powercheck.ie.

ESB has also warned the public to take extra care with outdoor Christmas decorations, which could become loose or airborne due to high winds.

It has advised that all outdoor decorations be removed or securely fastened to prevent them from blowing away.

Outdoor lights should also be switched off and unplugged during severe weather to reduce electrical risks.

Meanwhile, water outages can be reported to Uisce Éireann’s 24 hour number, which is 1800 278 278. You can also sign up for text alerts regarding your local water supply at water.ie.

Rain warning

Separately, this evening, a Status Yellow rain warning will come into effect in seven counties. It’s valid from 9pm tonight until 9am tomorrow.

The counties affected are Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford.

Rain could make for difficult travel conditions and some areas may experience flooding.

-With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper

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