Parts of Northern Ireland could face disruption on Sunday as a result of Storm Ashley.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind for the whole of Northern Ireland, which came into effect at 03:00 BST and lasts until midnight.
Gusts of up to 60mph (100km/h) have been predicted in some inland areas.
Met Éireann, who issue warnings across the Republic of Ireland, named the storm and issued its second-highest level of warning – Status Orange – for counties including Galway and Mayo, from 10:00 local time on Sunday until 20:00.
Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure announced on social media that temporary tidal flood defences are being deployed along the River Lagan at high risk areas such as Lockview Road and Cutters Warf in south Belfast.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council announced that there may be a delay in opening household recycling centres on Monday.
In line with the weather warning, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council announced that the district’s four forest parks (Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbroney and Slieve Gullion) will be closed to vehicles due to the risk of falling branches and debris.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have also announced closures of some outdoor council facilities, including Gortin Glens Forest Park.
🌬️Due to the Met Office weather warning for wind due to #StormAshley (Sunday 20 October 2024) the Council facilities below will be closed during the warning for safety.
There may be delays in reopening sites due to safety inspections.
We apologise for any inconvenience. pic.twitter.com/dkPulHZe4a
— Fermanagh & Omagh District Council (@fermanaghomagh) October 19, 2024
Very strong winds are forecast across the whole of Ireland and parts of Great Britain, especially Scotland.
Along exposed coasts and high ground, gusts may reach up to 70-80 mph (113-129km/h).
The entire west coast of the Republic of Ireland is under a ‘Status Orange’ warning.
That’s the second highest level of warning and indicates an increased risk of damage and disruption.
Met Éireann is forecasting coastal flooding, difficult travel conditions, and dangerous seas along counties Clare, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo.
A yellow warning was issued across the rest of the country from midnight on Saturday until 03:00 BST on Monday.
Why are storms named?
The latest storm name season started on 1 September and will be used until 31 August 2025.
Ashley is the first name on the alphabetical list so the next storm would be named Bert, followed by Conall.
Storms can be named by the Met Office, Met Éireann or the Netherlands meteorological service (KNMI) if any believe impacts from severe weather are “medium” or “high”.
It is thought that by naming storms, it gives the public a greater awareness of the potential impacts of severe weather.
