A STATUS Red Wind warning has been issued for Kerry.

Storm Atiyah will bring west to southwest winds veering northwest reaching mean speeds in excess of 80km/h with gusts in excess of 130km/h for a time this evening.

Extreme caution is advised, especially near the coast and on high ground. Due to a combination of high seas and storm surge there is a possibility of coastal flooding.

The warning is valid from 4pm to 7pm today. The Status Orange wind warning is in effect for Kerry from 1pm today until 6am on Monday morning.

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The Severe Weather Local Co-ordination Team at Kerry County Council has met to assess the threat and  is asking members of the public to heed the advice and information provided by Met Éireann.

Due to the potential dangers members of the public are advised to stay indoors during the period of the alert.

The Team have asked 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, Christmas lights / decorations, garden furniture, bins, trampolines and other items which are outdoors.

• For motorists and pedestrians out and about on Sunday, please take care on all roads and be mindful of the possibilities of debris, fallen trees and branches or power lines etc

• Exercise caution when out and about  particularly in exposed areas and coastal areas.

Kerry County Council will provide updates and further advisories through the local media and its social media channels as well as a dedicated weather alerts service on its website, www.kerrycoco.ie

The Council reminds members of the public however that there may be debris or fallen branches on roads and that all road users should be extremely vigilant while travelling this morning.

Any issues of concern can be reported to the Council’s dedicated emergency phoneline on 066 7183588.

Kerry County Council would like to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the general public in helping to ensure public safety during this severe weather event.