Storm Callum is set to hit Ireland tonight with Met Éireann issuing an orange warning for coastal counties and a status yellow warning for the rest of the country.

Winds are expected to reach between 100km/hr and 130km/hr in areas issued with an orange warning and there will also be a spell of heavy rain. Due to high tides there is a risk of coastal flooding and damage.

For Cork and Kerry southeast winds will veer southwest and the orange warning will be in place from 10pm tonight (Thursday) until 9am tomorrow (Friday).

In counties Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Clare the warning will remain in place from 11pm tonight until 5pm tomorrow.

In Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath and Waterford winds will be south to southeast with the warning in place from midnight tonight until 9am tomorrow.

A yellow warning is in effect for the rest of the country. Inland counties can expect slower winds of 90km/hr to 110km/hr with spells of heavy rain with the warning in place from midnight until 9am tomorrow.

Storm Callum is the third storm of this year’s season after storms Ali and Bronagh.

Following a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) at 3pm today the following advice has been issued:

  • Be aware of local conditions in your area; weather conditions and their impacts can vary significantly from place to place.
  • Stay away from coastal areas for the duration of the orange warning.
  • If you need to drive, slow down and drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees. Do not drive through flooded areas. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Stay away from fallen electricity wires or fallen trees as they may be in contact with electricity wires. Always treat any fallen wires as live. ESB Networks Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372999.
  • Decisions regarding school closures will be made by Board of Management of each school. The Department of Education and Skills has advised that decisions should be made based on local conditions and erring on the side of caution as appropriate.

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