STORM Bert is set to bring fresh weather chaos to Ireland as up to 100mm of rain are possible in the next 36 hours – bringing floods along with gale force winds.
Met Eireann have issued three orange weather warnings and yellow countrywide alerts so far as Storm Bert is en route – with one meteorologist suggesting further warnings could be on the cards.
Storm Bert is en route[/caption]
Today got off to an icy start[/caption]
Strong winds look set to batter the country[/caption]
The national broadcaster said the areas can expect intense rainfall and flooding risks as the vicious storm conditions move in from the Atlantic.
Carlow Weather‘s Alan O’Reilly has warned that up to 100mm of rain could batter parts of the country in the next 36 hours – with an added flood risk due to Storm Bert.
He said: “Temperatures ranging from -3c to 7c on Southwest coast.
“Scattered showers in North and West but clear spells for many with a cool morning.
“Over 100mm of rain possible in parts over next 36 hours with risk of flooding as Storm Bert brings heavy rain and strong winds from tonight.”
Met Eireann forecaster Linda Hughes said that there will “likely” be updates to weather warnings issued by Met Eireann as Storm Bert charges towards Ireland.
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.
Met Eireann have previously explained that orange weather alerts represent “infrequent and dangerous” conditions which may pose a “threat to life and property“.
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.
Hughes said: “A status yellow low temperature and ice warning remains in place for Ireland until midday today, with widespread frost, some icy stretches and lying snow.
“Storm Bert will begin to impact Ireland from tonight with Status yellow wind and rain warnings issued. And there will likely be updates to warnings so do stay in touch with the forecast today.
ICY START
Today will start out with frost and icy stretches and scattered showers are on the cards – with some snow and sleet possible.
Hughes continued: “This morning will be cold and frosty with some icy stretches, there’ll be scattered showers, mainly of rain and sleet but isolated snow showers are possible.
“The showers will die out for most areas for the afternoon and sunshine will become hazy.
“Highest temperatures of 3C to 7C in light to moderate west to southwest winds.”
Tonight will become wet and wild as Storm Bert hits the northwest of Ireland – bringing heavy rain and flooding.
STRONG GALES
Some snow and sleet are possible with strong gusty winds and gales to strong gales along the coasts.
The Met Eireann forecaster continued: “Tonight will be very wet and windy as Storm Bert tracks to the northwest of Ireland.
“Heavy rain will extend across the country in the southwest causing flooding in some areas.
“Falls of sleet and snow are possible in the north and northwest too.
“There’ll be very strong and gusty south to southeast winds – with gales or strong gales on coasts.
“Lowest temperatures of 0C to 5C early in the night, increasing overnight.”
MILD TEMPERATURES
Tomorrow will see wet and windy conditions continue as Storm Bert brings heavy widespread rain and flooding.
Hughes explained: “Very wet and windy conditions associated with Storm Bert will continue tomorrow morning.
“With widespread heavy rain causing flooding in some areas.
“The rain will ease for a time in the mid-afternoon as it moves eastwards, but then more showery rain will move in from the west and be heavy at times.
“There’ll be very strong and gusty southeast to south winds with gales or strong gales near coasts.
“Highest temperatures of 12C to 15C.”
COLDEST TEMPS EVER RECORDED IN IRELAND
AS freezing conditions and low temperatures hit Ireland, the country is set to bask in ice, snow and sleet.
With temperatures setting into minus figures, it won’t beat the coldest days ever recorded on the island.
The coldest areas in Ireland are usually found inland, with coastal areas benefiting from sea breezes to keep warmer.
Mullingar, Co Westmeath has the lowest average temperature at 9.3C yearly, but it is not the coldest ever recorded area.
Here are the areas in the country that have recorded the lowest ever temperatures:
- Co Sligo: On January 16, 1881, –19.1C was recorded at Markree Castle in Collooney.
- Co Kildare: On January 2, 1979, -18.8C was recorded in Lullymore.
- Co Longford: On February 7, 1895, -17.8C was recorded in Mostrim while the area also saw the coldest July temperature ever at -0.3C on July 8, 1889.
- Co Sligo: Again at Markree Castle, -17.2C was recorded on March 3, 1947, -8.3C on October 31, 1926 and -7.7C on April 15, 1892.
- Co Donegal: The coldest ever temperature in May on record was detected in Glenties at -5.6C.
- Co Offaly: On June 1, 1962, Clonsast saw temperatures drop to -3.3C.
- Co Wicklow: The coldest ever day in August was in Rathdrum with temperatures dropping to -2.7C on August 30, 1964.
- Co Wexford: On November 29, 2010, Clonroche saw temperatures drop to -11.5C.
- Co Mayo: Also in 2010, temperatures in Straide dropped to -17.5C on Christmas Day.
Tonight will see rain clear with continued strong winds and some scattered showers.
She added: “The rain will clear eastwards early on Saturday night and will be followed by clear spells and scattered showers.
“It’ll continue windy with strong and gusty southerly winds.
“Lowest temperatures of 6C to 10C.”
Sunday is predicted to be another windy day with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly in Atlantic coastal counties.
The forecaster said: “Sunday will be another windy day with fresh to strong south to southwest winds and gales or strong gales along coasts.
“While many areas will remain dry with sunny spells, scattered showers will occur too, most of these in Atlantic counties.
“Highest temperatures of 10C to 13C.”
Rain is set to batter the country[/caption]
Met Eireann have said more warnings could be on the cards[/caption]
