Wind warning as Storm Aileen set to hit Ireland with gusts of 110km/h

Heavy and thundery rain is expected to fall across central and northern Ireland

High waves crash over the Wooden Bridge at Dollymount, Dublin in February this year. Photograph: Eric Luke / The Irish Times
High waves crash over the Wooden Bridge at Dollymount, Dublin in February this year. Photograph: Eric Luke / The Irish Times

Motorists have been warned to “exercise caution” as Storm Aileen is set to bring wind gusts of up to 110km/h across the country on Tuesday.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for counties Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Galway, and all of Munster.

The lowest level alert urging people to “be aware” has been issued from 2 pm until midnight.

Met Éireann said winds are expected to increase to a mean speed of 50 to 65 km/h, with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h this afternoon in coastal counties of the southwest and south.

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Storm Aileen is expected to track eastwards across the centre of Ireland, from Galway to Dublin on Tuesday evening.

Severe winds will become northwesterly and be at their strongest in exposed coastal areas.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said during strong winds motorists should slow down and allow extra distance between vehicles and other road users.

Heavy and possibly thundery rain will fall across many central and northern counties on Tuesday afternoon.

The rain will clear to showers later tonight.

Highest temperatures will reach 17 degrees during the day and drop to 8 degrees overnight.

Forecasters said Wednesday will have some heavy and thundery showers but it will be mainly cool with sunny spells with moderate winds.