MET Eireann has issued a new orange weather warning for three counties as Storm Bert approaches – just hours after bitterly cold conditions gripped the country.
And the national broadcaster said the areas can expect intense rainfall and flooding risks as the vicious storm conditions move in from the Atlantic.
Met Eireann updated storm warnings this afternoon[/caption]
Weather graphs for Saturday evening show rain clouds moving across Ireland[/caption]
The status orange rain warning kicks in for counties Cork, Kerry and Galway at midnight on Saturday, until 10am that morning.
Forecasters said Storm Bert will bring “intense falls of rain over a short period of time.”
And the public have been warned to prepare for surface flooding, possible river flooding and “very difficult” travelling conditions.
In preparation for the storm, Met Eireann issued a weather advisory and a status yellow wind and rain warning for the entire country.
And Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly predicted up to 100mm of rain in some places, with weather warnings “likely to be upgraded”.
The weather advisory began today and will remain in place until midnight Tuesday, while the yellow wind and rain warning is in place from 10pm Friday night until 12 noon Saturday.
Met Eireann said Storm Bert will displace the recent Arctic airmass that saw temperatures plummet to -4C this week and a nationwide ice and low temperature warning.
The broadcaster said: “This weekend, Storm Bert will move close to Ireland, displacing the recent cold Arctic airmass.
“Very strong winds and heavy rain will track northeastwards over the country on Friday night with warnings already in places.
“Storm Bert will continue to dominate our weather through the weekend and into early next week and further warnings will be issued for this event.”
Storm Bert is a low-pressure system currently forming in the Atlantic.
Forecasters said when it moves closer to Ireland it will displace the current cold Arctic air introducing very strong winds and heavy rain.
Met Eireann said most of Storm Bert’s impacts will be felt over the weekend, but there will be some potential impacts into early next week.
This morning, thousands of people across the country woke up to a blanket of white snow in their front garden as bitterly cold temperatures gripped the nation.
7 things to do NOW before cold weather hits
WINTER is just around the corner – and with it comes colder temperatures, rain, ice and a risk of snow.
Households across the country should make sure they are prepared ahead of the temperature drop to assure the season goes by safely and stress free.
Here’s seven things you can do NOW to prepare before the cold weather hits.
1: Make sure your vehicle is winter ready. Check that your lights and indicators are working, your tyres are in good condition, your oil is topped up and your windscreen wipers are moving smoothly. It’s also worth keeping fuel in your tank to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
2: Check for leaking pipes and insulate exposed pipes that are at risk of freezing. Wrapping a towel around a pipe is a simple way of protecting it from colder temperatures. It’s also a good idea to get your boiler serviced ahead of winter.
3: Be sure to have a small supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare foods as well as medicine and fuel in case it becomes difficult to leave your home for a period of time.
4: Prepare for power cuts by having batteries for torches and some alternative light sources in your home. It’s also worth having portable chargers ready in case you need to charge your devices.
5: Check all air vents around the home to make sure they are not blocked. It’s important that your home remains well ventilated even as it becomes colder.
6: Check your chimney and make sure it is clear. Visit www.dublincity.ie for expert guidance from Dublin Fire Brigade about how to avoid chimney fires.
7: Check your gutters and carry out any maintenance needed. This is essential to prevent gutter and roof damage in freezing temperatures.
And the freeze won’t ease just yet, with the status yellow low temperature/ice warning for the entire country to remain in place until 12 noon Friday.
Met Eireann said: “Very cold with widespread frost, icy stretches and lying snow persisting today, tonight and tomorrow.”
