Storm Ciara to bring 120km gusts to midlands
Two status Yellow warnings for wind and heavy rain have been issued by Met Éireaan.
The wind warning comes into play both on Saturday and Sunday, as Storm Ciara, which has been named by the UK Met Office, impacts Ireland.
Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel says we are in for tumultuous five days with the onset of Storm Ciara.
Heavy rain will become widespread on Saturday afternoon, with gusts of between 90 - 100km/h.
"Rainfall will be most concentrated in the west and northwest on Saturday. That means that the opening of the much anticipated European Capital of Culture in Galway tomorrow, aptly named, ‘Hope It Rains’ , is likely to be a washout," he says.
"Sunday is the main concern however, as strong winds of between 100 - 120km are set to impact the midlands.
"That is very strong compared to what you would normally expect for the midlands," he admits.
"This means there could be some disruption right across the country and will make driving conditions particularly tricky," he warns.
The worst of the winds are due to start around five in the morning on Sunday, and continue right throughout the afternoon, with squally showers.
Turning colder
Then on Monday into Tuesday and Wednesday, Ireland will need to brace itself as a very cold westerly airflow from northern Canada will make its way across Ireland.
It will push heavy wintry showers from the west further inland than normal, due to strong westerly winds.
"It will bring a greater chance of snow to the midlands, up to 4cms in places, but on higher ground you would expect to see 10cms.
"There is definitely a chance of the 'white stuff' in Mullingar between Monday and Wednesday next week," Cathal guarantees.
The long range forecast does not throw up any improvements, with further strong winds pushing in from the north west bringing a strong chance of more stormy conditions as next week progresses.
Weather in brief
Two status yellow warnings issued by Met Éirean for Saturday and Sunday due to Storm Ciara.
On Saturday, a yellow wind warning as southerly winds will strengthen during the day reaching mean speeds of 50-65km/h, and gusts of up to reaching 90-110km/h, while on Sunday, Storm Ciara will produce very strong winds over bringing a risk of damaging gusts.
The yellow rainfall warning will see heavy rain spread eastwards across the country on Saturday with 20-40mm expected, highest in the west and northwest. On Sunday, another spell of heavy rain on Sunday will clear to squally wintry showers. Another 20-40mm likely. A risk of localised flooding this weekend, especially over the western half of the country.
Over the weekend the combination of Spring Tides and high seas as well as stormy conditions will result in an elevated risk of coastal flooding especially along southern, western and northwestern coasts.