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MET Eireann has issued a Status Orange Wind Warning for Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, and Limerick and as Storm Lorenzo approaches the west coast of Ireland tomorrow.
Southwesterly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds 65 to 80km/h with gusts generally of 100 to 130km/h, higher in coastal regions. Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.
It will be in effect from 6pm on Thursday until 3am on Friday morning. However a Status Yellow Warning will be in place for the entire country from 9am on Thursday morning until 6am on Friday morning.
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Southeasterly winds later veering southwesterly will reach mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts to 100km/h resulting in some disruptive impacts.
There is also a Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued for Ireland. Spells of heavy rain (in excess of 50mm in parts of the west and northwest) will result in some flooding. The warning is valid from Thursday at 9am to Friday at 9am.
Lorenzo is currently bringing hurricane force winds to the Azores, with gusts to 140 km/h recorded.
The effects of Storm Lorenzo will begin to be felt across Ireland from midday Thursday, peaking late Thursday evening and Thursday night, easing Friday morning.
According to Met Eireann, Storm Lorenzo will continue to accelerate north-eastwards, with its centre approaching the west of Ireland during Thursday. Lorenzo will then likely make a right turn, tracking across Ireland on Thursday night whilst it begins to gradually weaken.
The exact track Lorenzo will take over Ireland is still subject to change. The most severe winds associated with Lorenzo are likely in Atlantic coastal parts on the southern flank of the storm, however strong winds are possible in all areas.
In early October, trees are mostly in full leaf with a large surface area, so even moderate strength winds can bring down weakened trees and/or tree limbs.
In addition, some trees may be compromised due to saturated soils at the moment, and with more rain forecast with Storm Lorenzo some disruption due to falling trees/branches is likely.
Storm Lorenzo will also bring heavy rain, and with falling leaves blocking drains and gullies, some surface flooding is possible.
