Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Galway and Mayo due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Ernesto. The warning, in effect from 7 pm Wednesday to 2 am Thursday, predicts “unseasonably strong and gusty” winds, high tides, and heavy rain along the west coast. Coastal flooding and travel disruptions are anticipated.
Hurricane Ernesto, having swept across the Atlantic, is now poised to impact the western regions of Ireland, particularly the counties of Galway and Mayo. Met Éireann has acted swiftly, issuing a status yellow wind warning for these areas, with the potential for significant weather-related disruptions. The warning comes into effect from 7 pm on Wednesday and will last until 2 am on Thursday, during which time residents and travelers alike are advised to exercise caution.
The hurricane’s remnants are expected to hit the western parts of the country hardest, bringing with it a cocktail of severe weather conditions including unseasonably strong and gusty winds, very high tides, and heavy rainfall. The coastal areas, already vulnerable to flooding, are at an elevated risk, with Met Éireann cautioning against potential wave overtopping, damage to temporary structures, and hazardous travel conditions. A Detailed Forecast: What to Expect The forecast paints a challenging picture for the days ahead.
On Wednesday, the day is set to start mostly cloudy, with rain and drizzle gradually spreading eastward towards the northern regions of Ireland. As the day progresses, the strong and gusty southerly winds will pick up, especially in the western and northwestern coastal parts, where gales are expected. Temperatures during the day will hover between 11°C and 14°C, adding a chilly bite to the stormy conditions.
The worst of the storm is expected to strike overnight, with the heaviest rain and strongest winds predicted during the early hours of Thursday. However, there is some respite on the horizon. By Thursday morning, the rain in the east is expected to clear, leading to a mostly dry day with some sunshine.
Nevertheless, the reprieve will be short-lived, as increasing cloud cover throughout the day will bring more rain in the evening, some of which may be heavy in places. Temperatures will reach between 14°C and 18°C during the day. Thursday night promises to be another challenging period, with heavy rain and thundery downpours anticipated.
These conditions heighten the risk of coastal and surface water flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from the earlier rain. Winds will remain a concern, especially across southern and southwestern areas, where strong to gale-force southerly winds are expected to veer west to northwesterly as the storm system progresses. The lowest temperatures during the night will range from 9°C to 12°C.
As we move into Friday, the weather will remain blustery, though there will be some welcome periods of sunshine interspersed with heavy showers. There is also the possibility of isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the west and north, where the showers will be most frequent. Temperatures will remain consistent with recent days, ranging from 14°C to 18°C.
Saturday, while still unsettled, is expected to bring brighter conditions. The day will see a mix of sunshine and showers, with some of the showers turning heavy at times. The east and south of the country are likely to experience “good dry spells,” offering a brief respite from the rain.
Winds, though still breezy, will not be as intense as the preceding days, allowing for a slightly more pleasant day overall. Saturday night is expected to bring more dry weather, particularly in the east, though scattered showers will persist in the west and northwest. Sunday is set to start off mostly dry with some sunshine, but the clear skies won’t last long.
Clouds are expected to roll in by the afternoon, bringing showery rain that will likely continue into the evening. Despite the rain, there will be periods of dry weather later in the day, particularly in the southern regions. As for Monday, the unsettled trend is set to continue.
The day will start mainly dry, but as the week progresses, the weather is expected to become more unsettled, with blustery conditions likely to persist into the early part of the week. One of the most pressing concerns associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto is the potential for coastal and surface flooding. The combination of high tides, heavy rainfall, and strong winds creates the perfect conditions for flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.
Residents in these regions are advised to take precautions, including securing any outdoor furniture or temporary structures, and avoiding unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm. Wave overtopping is another significant risk, especially along exposed coastlines. The force of the waves, driven by strong winds, could lead to coastal erosion and damage to sea defenses.
This, in turn, increases the likelihood of flooding in coastal towns and villages. Met Éireann has also warned of the potential for hazardous driving conditions, particularly on coastal roads where wave spray and debris could pose a danger to motorists. With the impending storm set to bring challenging weather conditions, it is essential for residents in the affected areas to take the necessary precautions.
Met Éireann recommends staying informed by regularly checking weather updates and following any advice or warnings issued by local authorities. For those living in flood-prone areas, it is advisable to have sandbags ready and to move valuable items to higher ground. Ensuring that drains and gutters are clear of debris can also help to minimize the risk of flooding.
Motorists are urged to avoid coastal routes where possible and to exercise caution when driving in wet and windy conditions. In the event of power outages, having a supply of torches, batteries, and non-perishable food items is also recommended. It is also important to secure any loose items in gardens or on balconies, as these could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
While the immediate focus is on managing the impact of Hurricane Ernesto, attention will soon turn to the long-term effects of such extreme weather events. As climate change continues to influence global weather patterns, storms like Ernesto are likely to become more frequent and more intense. This has significant implications for coastal communities, which are already vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Met Éireann, along with other meteorological agencies, will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and warnings as necessary. The response to Ernesto will also provide valuable insights into how Ireland can better prepare for and respond to similar events in the future. As Hurricane Ernesto approaches, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared.
With Met Éireann’s warnings in place, the coming days will test the resilience of communities along Ireland’s west coast. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, residents can help to mitigate the risks and protect themselves from the worst of the storm. While the immediate outlook is one of caution, the forecast also offers hope, with periods of dry weather and sunshine expected to follow the storm.
As Ireland continues to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate, the lessons learned from Hurricane Ernesto will be crucial in ensuring that the country remains resilient in the face of future storms..
