Weather alert issued over strong winds

Brace yourself, it’s about to get very windy.

That was the essential message from Met Eireann, which issued a weather alert over high winds expected in Westmeath, Roscommon, and other parts of the country tomorrow (Wednesday) and early Thursday.

A 'status yellow’ alert, which advises people to be aware of potentially turbulent weather conditions, comes into effect in the Midlands tonight (Tuesday) and will remain in place until 8am on Thursday.

Westerly winds are expected to reach speeds of 45 to 65 km per hour during the weather warning period, with the possibility of some gusts of 90 to 110 km per hour.

In general, “bitterly cold” conditions are expected over the coming days according to the national meteorological service.

While there will be some sunshine in parts of the country today, the temperature will not rise above eight degrees and the forecast is for some wintry showers of rain or hail.

Heavy rain will move eastwards from the Atlantic during the day on Thursday and there will be a risk of snow over parts of Ulster.

Friday will bring occasional sunny spells in the east of the country but also more of those heavy, wintry showers. Blustery west or northwesterly winds are also expected.