Storm Bert set to batter the country as Met Éireann issues orange warning for three counties – The Irish Times

Headline: Storm Bert: Status Orange Weather Warning for Galway, Kerry, and Cork

As Storm Bert sweeps across Ireland, Met Éireann has issued a status orange weather warning for counties Galway, Kerry, and Cork for Saturday, signaling severe weather events that could impact safety and travel. The warning predicts intense rainfall from midnight to 10 am, raising concerns over potential surface flooding and difficult travel conditions.

Weather Alerts Across the Nation

Ireland is bracing itself for an intense weather spell, with a series of warnings issued by Met Éireann and the UK Met Office. The status yellow low temperature and ice warnings remain valid until midday on Friday, while the incoming status yellow wind and rain warning, in effect from 10 pm on Friday to midday Saturday, highlights the dual challenges posed by freezing conditions and impending heavy rain.

Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, a yellow snow and ice warning has been activated for all six counties, lasting from 3 pm on Thursday until 10 am Friday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has advised motorists to exercise caution due to hazardous driving conditions. “Driving conditions are hazardous on many routes across Northern Ireland this morning due to snow and freezing temperatures. Reduce your speed and drive to suit the conditions,” they stated.

Forecast Highlights

The weather outlook shows overnight temperatures plummeting as low as minus 5 degrees Celsius in some areas, alongside wintry showers of rain, sleet, and snow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of forecasts over the coming days:

• Friday Night: Storm Bert will start making its presence felt, bringing wet and windy conditions. Expect heavy rain extending from the southwest, accompanied by spot flooding in some areas.
• Saturday: High temperatures are expected to rise to between 12 to 14 degrees Celsius, but the country will experience widespread heavy rain and potential localised flooding at the start of the day.
• Sunday: Strong winds and gales are anticipated, particularly along coastal regions.

Impact of Snow and Gale Force Winds

Residents in Co Mayo faced significant challenges on Thursday, as rural roads became impassable due to several inches of snow. Reports from local communities highlighted slow-moving and stranded vehicles on major routes, compounding difficulties for commuters and emergency services. Key areas affected included Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Mulranny, Ballycroy, and Bangor. The Windy Gap road between Castlebar and Bofeenaun was closed due to deep snow accumulation, further hampering access to several communities.

Local Insights and Preparations

Local officials are actively preparing for the effects of Storm Bert. "We are urging residents to stay informed and monitor weather updates closely. With the warnings in place, it is crucial to prioritize safety," stated a representative from the local council in Galway.

Drivers are being advised to:

• Avoid non-essential travel during peak storm conditions.
• Keep an emergency kit in their vehicles, including blankets, water, and non-perishable food.
• Stay updated with local weather reports for live updates on travel conditions.

Preparing for Potential Disruptions

As Ireland gears up to face Storm Bert, local businesses, especially in sectors like transport and tourism, are urged to create contingency plans in anticipation of possible service disruptions. The heavy rain and snowfall could have a cascading impact on various industries, especially those reliant on transportation and outdoor activities.

For more information on weather preparedness and safety tips, visit Met Éireann’s official website or consult local news sources.

In these tumultuous weather conditions, it’s essential to remain vigilant and proactive. Share your storm experiences and preparations in the comments section below. Engage with us on social media as we continue to cover this evolving story and offer updates.

For further reading, check out our previous articles on weather forecasting and safety measures during inclement weather. Stay tuned for real-time updates as Storm Bert progresses through Ireland.

* What safety precautions should ⁢people​ take ‌during Storm Bert? ​

## World Today News: Interview ⁤on Storm Bert

**Introduction:**

Good evening and welcome to World Today News. Ireland is bracing itself for severe weather as Storm Bert approaches. Tonight, we⁢ are joined by two ⁢guests to discuss the potential ​impact of the⁤ storm ‌and what‌ precautions‍ people can take to stay safe. Joining us is ⁢Fiona‌ Walsh, ‍a meteorologist with Met Éireann, Ireland’s national meteorological service, and Seamus⁢ O’Reilly, Director of Local​ Emergency Services in Galway. ⁢ Welcome ‌to both of you.

**Section 1: Understanding the Threat**

**Host:** Fiona, could you give us a breakdown of the key ​weather warnings in place and what areas will be most affected‍ by Storm Bert? What makes this storm particularly⁤ concerning?

**Fiona:** (Answers)

**Host:** Seamus, from your⁢ perspective, what are your main ‌concerns regarding the impact of Storm Bert⁣ on ⁢the‌ local community in Galway?

**Seamus:** (Answers)

**Section ⁤2: Impact on Daily Life⁣ and Infrastructure**

**Host:** Fiona, the article mentions potential‍ localized flooding and difficult‍ travel conditions. Can you elaborate on what those conditions might look like and how long ​they may⁢ persist?

**Fiona:** (Answers)

**Host:** Seamus, how are ‌local authorities preparing for these potential disruptions? Are‍ there any specific areas within Galway that require additional attention?

**Seamus:** (Answers)

**Section‌ 3: Advice for Individuals and Businesses**

**Host:** Fiona, what​ advice ⁢would you offer to individuals who need to travel tomorrow amidst these dangerous conditions?

**Fiona:** (Answers)

**Host:** Seamus, for businesses, especially those in vulnerable sectors like transport and tourism, what steps can they take to minimize disruption and ensure the safety ​of their employees and customers?

**Seamus:** (Answers)

**Section 4: Looking​ Ahead**

**Host:** Fiona, what is⁣ the predicted trajectory for Storm Bert?‍ Can we expect any further weather warnings to be issued in the coming days?

**Fiona:** ⁣(Answers)

**Host:** This storm is a stark reminder of the‌ power of nature and the importance of preparedness.

**Seamus**, what lessons can we take away from this experience to better ⁣prepare for future weather events?

**Seamus:** (Answers)

**Conclusion:**

Thank you both for providing such valuable⁣ insights during ‍this critical time.

We encourage our viewers to heed the advice of local authorities and prioritize​ their safety. For ​the⁢ latest updates and weather⁢ alerts, please visit Met Éireann’s official website. Stay safe, everyone.

**Post ⁢Interview Notes:**

This interview⁤ structure focuses on ⁢engaging discussion and different⁢ perspectives. Open-ended ​questions encourage the guests to share their expertise, while the thematic sections make it easy for viewers to follow the ​conversation and gain a comprehensive understanding ‍of‍ the situation.