Storm Floris Unleashes Severe Weather Warnings Across Ireland

Strong Winds, Heavy Rain Expected as National Advisory Remains in Effect

Ireland is bracing for significant disruption as Storm Floris approaches, bringing a potent mix of strong winds, torrential rain, and the threat of localized flooding. Met Éireann has issued multiple Status Yellow warnings, urging caution for residents across the island.

Wind Alerts Issued for Multiple Counties

The national forecaster has activated Status Yellow wind warnings for counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo from 2 AM to 1 PM on Monday. Blustery southwesterly winds are forecast to shift westerly, bringing potentially damaging gusts. A separate wind warning covers Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, and Leitrim, valid from 4 AM to 4 PM, warning of hazardous driving conditions and the risk of fallen trees and power outages.

Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with potential wave overtopping anticipated. The storm’s impact could also disrupt outdoor events planned for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Rain and Flood Warnings in Effect

A third Status Yellow warning has been issued for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo, highlighting the danger of heavy downpours and potential lightning strikes. This alert is in effect from 2 AM to 10 AM on Monday, with a chance of localized flooding exacerbated by leaves and debris.

Storm Floris is projected to move across the country overnight Sunday into Monday, with conditions deteriorating rapidly in the early hours. The UK Met Office has also issued a 24-hour Status Yellow wind warning for all of Northern Ireland, predicting “a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds.”

“Unseasonably Impactful Weather” Predicted

Met Éireann has categorized the storm as a “deepening low-pressure system” expected to bring “unseasonably impactful weather.” Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock noted the increased risk to the public:

“As this is a public holiday weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case.”

—Andrew Doran-Sherlock, Forecaster

Mr Doran-Sherlock also cautioned about wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas, despite neap tides reducing tidal ranges. “Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities,” he added.

Weekend Forecast Outlook

Sunday is expected to begin with rain and drizzle, clearing to brighter spells and isolated showers from the west. The afternoon will see increased cloud cover with rain and drizzle developing in Connacht and Munster. Temperatures could reach highs of 23C.

Sunday night will usher in “unseasonably wet and windy weather” with heavy rain possible in the north and northwest as Storm Floris approaches. Winds along Atlantic coasts are expected to be strong to near gale force by morning, with overnight lows between 11C and 16C.

Bank Holiday Monday Outlook

Bank Holiday Monday is set to start wet and windy nationwide, with southwesterly winds strengthening to gale force along western and northern Atlantic coasts. Rain is forecast to clear eastward later in the afternoon, giving way to sunny spells and scattered showers. Winds should gradually ease, with temperatures ranging from 14C to 21C.

Monday night is expected to be mostly dry and clear. Tuesday promises good bright spells for most, though scattered showers are possible, with temperatures peaking around 20C. The unsettled pattern is likely to persist through the remainder of the week, with further spells of rain expected.