Power cuts, school closures and travel disruption likely in parts of Ireland as Storm Amy to hit today

"'Damaging gusts' are also expected further inland, Met Éire Status Orange alerts issued for Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, and will run from 2pm-10pm today A Status Yellow wind warning will be in place for the rest of Ireland from midday until midnight today Transport networks will be significantly disrupted as the powerful Atlantic front moves in past the west coast. Wind gusts could exceed 100kmh in some coastal areas as ESB Networks said repair crews will be on standby in the event of major power outages."

"A Status Red storm warning - the highest marine alert possible - has been issued from Loop Head to Rossan Point and Fair Head. Met Éireann said winds could reach storm force 11 at times off some western and northern coasts. Meteorologist Liz Walsh said offshore conditions will be "rare and very dangerous". Water Safety Ireland and the Coast Guard urged people to avoid exposed coastal areas in the specified Status Orange zones. Damaging gusts are also expected a significant distance inland."

"Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: "It is quite clear that we will have challenging weather conditions at local level in many counties. Local authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm's approach. "For those in areas affected, I would advise they pay attention to their local conditions and members of the public should monitor Met Éireann's ongoing advice and act accordingly."

Storm Amy will move in from the Atlantic bringing damaging gusts inland and severe conditions on coasts. Status Orange wind warnings apply to Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 2pm to 10pm, with a Status Yellow across the rest of Ireland from midday until midnight. A Status Red marine warning covers waters from Loop Head to Rossan Point and Fair Head, with winds reaching storm force 11 offshore. Transport networks will be significantly disrupted and coastal gusts may exceed 100km/h. ESB Networks has repair crews on standby and safety agencies advise avoiding exposed coastal areas and monitoring local conditions.

Read at Irish Independent