SEVERE WEATHER ALERT: STORM WARNING UPDATE: As previously stated a rapidly developing Atlantic storm is set to make its way north eastwards along the north later this evening and overnight. The storm centre with a central pressure reading of 944mb will bring with it some really dangerous conditions right across the Midlands and the country in general. Winds will begin to increase from a south westerly direction during the morning and early afternoon ahead of the associated weather fronts. The first batch of really strong winds will begin to occur between 14:00 and 20:00 this evening. Wind speeds from this initial phase of winds will reach anywhere between 100 to 115 kph over all areas of the Midlands. These winds will also be accompanied by some very heavy rain, which combined with melting snow may cause one or two pockets of localised flooding. This rain will clear away early tonight and the winds will switch around to a westerly direction. The second and most severe batch of winds will begin to effect to region around midnight and look like persisting right the way through until midday tomorrow Thursday. Wind speeds from this second swathe of damaging winds will reach anywhere between 120 and 130 kph with the strongest of these winds likely across exposed areas and more widely across western and northern areas of the Midlands. The west and north coastline of Ireland may well see hurricane force winds during the very worst of the storm overnight where winds may gust as high as 150 kph in many areas. Accompanying these damaging winds will be very heavy squally showers which may well turn wintry before tomorrow morning with a small risk of some accumulations especially over areas of high ground. This storm is likely to lead to some treacherous conditions if caught outside in the worst of the storm. Power services will be interrupted in many western and northern areas, large numbers of trees may be felled as well as causing some small structural damage to buildings. If you have any lose objects lying in or around your houses it may be worth bringing them inside or securing them where possible. Yet again I am slightly alarmed by the lack of advanced warning from some meteorological agencies who seem very relaxed about the whole situation. NOAAs Ocean Prediction Centre, The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, The Washington Post and the Met Office sea area forecast are all pointing towards hurricane force winds right across the western sea board. Indeed hurricane force gusts (winds exceeding 118 kph) are likely across most of the Midlands region. Do take extreme caution if you do need to venture out this evening, tonight and tomorrow morning as this has the potential to become a very dangerous storm indeed and may rival last years February 12th storm which brought devastation across many areas of Munster. Take care wherever you are across the Midlands. I will be updating the page around the clock this afternoon and this evening, stay tuned for more live updates as I get them. Kindest regards as always. Cathal.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 08:48:49 +0000
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