Storm Floris Hits Ireland with Gale-Force Winds and Heavy Rain

Ireland is preparing for severe weather as Storm Floris approaches overnight, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. The national forecaster, Met Eireann, has issued several Status Yellow weather warnings for multiple counties, indicating the potential for significant disruptions.

The storm is expected to affect the west and north of the country most severely. A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo, with damaging gusts anticipated. This warning will be active from 2:00 AM to 1:00 PM on March 4, 2024. During this time, hazardous conditions could lead to dangerous travel, disruption of outdoor events, and potential structural damage. There is also a risk of fallen trees, debris, and power outages.

In addition to wind warnings, a separate Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo. This alert will be in effect from 2:00 AM until 10:00 AM, with heavy rain expected, along with possible thunderstorms. Local flooding and lightning strikes are also concerns.

Another wind warning applies to Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, and Leitrim, valid from 4:00 AM until 4:00 PM on the same day. Met Eireann warns these areas will experience very strong and blustery winds, likely leading to similar impacts as those forecasted for the earlier warnings.

The UK Met Office has also issued a Status Yellow wind warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry, set to begin at 6:00 AM and last until 11:59 PM on March 4.

The day will start off wet and windy, but conditions are expected to improve by lunchtime. A forecaster from Met Eireann stated, “Tonight, Storm Floris will track to the northwest of Ireland bringing unseasonably wet and windy weather with spells of rain, heavy at times in the north and northwest with some spot flooding possible.”

Temperatures during this period are anticipated to remain between 11°C and 16°C, with winds increasing to near gale force along the Atlantic coasts by morning. Bank Holiday Monday will begin with strong southwest to west winds, but the rain is predicted to clear eastwards through the morning, giving way to sunny spells and scattered showers later in the day.

As the storm passes, winds are expected to ease, with maximum temperatures ranging from 16°C to 21°C. Areas in the north and northwest may feel cooler, but overall, conditions should stabilize as the storm moves away from Ireland.