Storm Dudley is expected to make landfall overnight – with Ireland bracing for “damaging” winds mixed with heavy rain showers.
A yellow craft warning is already in effect on Tuesday as gusts are expected to reach gale force 8, but that’s just the start in terms of wild weather.
Wednesday morning, the westerly winds associated with storm Dudley will reach average speeds of 50 to 65 km/h with damaging gusts of 80 to 110 km/h, stronger on the exposed coasts and on the heights.
And that’s not all, as the latest update from Met Eireann warns that a combination of high tide and strong winds will bring flooding to exposed coastlines,
Clouds will increase on Tuesday evening with persistent or heavy rain developing in the west and spreading eastward to all areas in the late afternoon and evening.
A yellow-status wind warning goes into effect for the entire island on Wednesday afternoon, with the Republic facing the storm from noon, while the North sees the warning kick in from 3 p.m.
Two counties in particular are at serious risk, with the UK Met Office issuing an orange warning for Antrim and Derry.
They warn: ‘Storm Dudley is expected to affect the UK later on Wednesday bringing a period of very strong and disruptive winds.
The worst of the storm is expected to dissipate by Thursday, but just when things seem to be clearing up we will be hit by another tropical event in the form of Storm Eunice.
It will bring strong winds, heavy rain and snow on Thursday evening and Friday morning, according to experts from the Met Eireann office.
Batten the hatches!
