LAST UPDATE | 14 Feb 2022

It's turning very unsettled this week with two named storms on the way, #StormDudley on Wednesday and #StormEunice on Friday.

Warnings in place ⚠️

Find out more in our News Story 📰 https://t.co/OqywLYT9o4 pic.twitter.com/B3KkRGTSBn

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 14, 2022

MULTIPLE WIND WARNINGS have been issued by Met Éireann, with Storm Dudley set to hit the entire country on Wednesday followed by Storm Eunice later in the week.

A Status Orange wind warning will be in place for Donegal from 9pm on Wednesday, with wind speeds of up to 80km/h and gusts up to 130km/h expected to hit the county.

Met Éireann have predicted some coastal flooding in the county due to a combination of high tide and strong winds.

Status Yellow warnings will come into effect for the entire country at 12pm on Wednesday, with average wind speeds of between 50 and 65km/h expected, while damaging gusts of between 80 and 110km/h will also hit, getting stronger on exposed coasts and on high ground.

Coastal flooding is also expected, according to the forecaster.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has put Amber wind warnings in place for Antrim and Derry, while Yellow warnings are in place for Armagh, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone.

These warnings will be in place from 3pm on Wednesday.

Then on Friday, Storm Eunice is forecast to bring more widespread strong and damaging winds across Ireland, along with heavy rain and potentially snow.

Met Éireann meteorologist, Emer Flood said: “As Storm Dudley clears eastwards on Thursday morning winds will ease for a time, before picking up again on Friday morning as Storm Eunice approaches. 

“We’re keeping a close eye on this storm as there is the potential for more widespread strong winds across Ireland which may lead to some disruption and damage. 

Along with strong winds, Eunice is expected to bring spells of heavy rain and potentially some snow.

“We’re advising the public to keep a close eye on the weather forecast as the week progresses as further weather warnings are likely to be issued,” Flood added.

With the warnings in place, the Road Safety Authority has asked road users to act with caution over the next few days.

In a statement, the RSA have asked road users in counties impacted by the warnings to check local traffic information and the weather conditions before setting off on a journey.

They have advised motorists to:

• Be careful as control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways.
• Beware of objects being blown onto the road.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
• Allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
• If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it.
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to consider postponing any journey until weather conditions improve, and if going out to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands/belt.

A Department of Education spokesperson said that there is no indication of any school closures required in response to Storm Dudley “at this stage”.