MET Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather warning for very strong winds in Kerry on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

A Status Orange warning is the second highest level of warning which is issued by the national forecaster.

Kerry County Council’s Local Coordination Team – which includes council management, the Fire Service, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive – met this afternoon and has issued the following advisories:

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Storm Hannah is forecast to bring very strong winds to Kerry between 4.00pm on Friday and 5.00am on Saturday. Winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of up to 130km/h.

Met Éireann is advising the public to prepare for possible disruption and power outages.

The Local Coordination Team is asking members of the public to take necessary precautions for high winds including securing items or property which are susceptible to high winds such as hoarding, signage, garden furniture and other items which may have been placed outdoors during the recent spell of fine weather.

Motorists should take extreme care on all routes and be mindful of the likelihood of debris, fallen trees and branches and fallen power lines, particularly during Friday night and early on Saturday morning.

Members of the public are advised to avoid walking or cycling in exposed coastal areas. Power outages should be notified to ESB Networks on 1850 372999

Any other emergencies can be reported to Kerry County Council’s Emergency Line on 066 7183588 throughout the duration of the weather event.

Kerry County Council will provide any updates and further advisories through the local media and its social media channels.