Latest update on Storm Darragh

Not much has changed from the original forecast with some very strong winds likely to affect the island overnight and into tomorrow. The wind will start off as a west-southwesterly, gusting as high as 60mph around exposed coasts and hills, but then turning more into the west or west--northwest by dawn and increasing further with gusts of 70mph possible in some exposed parts, perhaps even higher in one or two spots. The peak of the wind seems likely around midday until 3pm tomorrow (Saturday) before easing slowly.

The wind will remain very strong Saturday night and into Sunday, although below our standard winter warning threshold.

Something that should be noted is the wind direction, as we usually see our strongest gales from the southwest, however this gale will be from the northwest, potentially exposing some areas to severe gusts that would normally be sheltered in a standard winter gale and in turn leading to the risk of property damage along with falling tree debris such as leaves, twigs and branches. There is even the risk of the odd downed tree, so please keep your driving speeds slow if out and about and be extra cautious. If you have any outdoor decorations, please secure them today or if possible bring them inside until the worst has passed.