Met Eireann issues Status Orange warning as Storm Dennis hits Ireland with 'severe and damaging' winds
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Met Eireann issues Status Orange warning as Storm Dennis hits Ireland with 'severe and damaging' winds

MET EIREANN has issued a Status Orange wind warming for Waterford and Wexford as Storm Dennis continues to sweep across Ireland. 

The Irish national forecaster is warning that “severe and damaging” gusts of up to 120km/h across the south-east of the country. 

Met Eireann said: "South to southwest winds with mean speeds of 55 to 75 km/h will gust up to 120 km/h, strongest on exposed coasts and hills." 

The warning is in place until 8pm on Saturday, February 15. 

A Status Yellow alert is in place for much of the rest of Ireland with gale force winds and heavy rain bringing with them the risk of flooding. 

Met Eireann also has a rainfall warning in place until 9pm. 

"Storm Dennis brings very wet and windy weather today with some severe and damaging gusts,” the national forecaster said. 

"Outbreaks of heavy rain will extend nationwide during the morning accompanied by gale force southerly winds. 

"The rain will be squally at times with a risk of embedded thunderstorms. 

"Localised flooding is expected with some coastal overtopping along the Atlantic seaboard. Highest temperatures of 9C to 12C degrees." 

Winds are expected to bet around around 50 to 65 km/h with gusts reaching 100km/h. 

Saturday evening will bring thunder, rain and the potential for more flooding with the strong winds and heavy showers continuing on to Sunday with the potential for snow in some areas. 

The forecaster said: "Further spells of heavy rain tonight with some thundery downpours likely and further flooding. 

"The rain will eventually break up into showers towards dawn. 

"Winds will ease for a time inland, but gales will continue in coastal counties. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees." 

"The effects of Storm Dennis will continue tomorrow, Sunday. 

"A wet and very windy day with stormy conditions in Atlantic coastal counties, especially in northwestern counties, with very severe and squally winds. 

"Widespread heavy showers, especially in the north and west, with a risk of hail and thunder. Some of the showers may turn wintry on higher ground. 

"Drier and brighter at times in parts of the east and south. Highest temperatures of 7 to 9 degrees, but feeling cooler in the strong southwesterly breezes."