'Storm Ciara' set to batter Northern Ireland with 70-80 mph gusts this weekend
We may need to rethink weekend plans ⚠️💨🌲🍃
Severe gales could be on the cards this weekend as the next unsettled spell of winter weather is due to sweep in.
An intense deep area of low pressure is being watched with interest by meteorologists as the Met Office has issued a two-day yellow warning for blustery conditions.
According to forecasters; "Very strong winds are likely through Saturday evening and early Sunday. Expect gusts of 50 to 60 mph across many inland areas, with 70, possibly 80 mph gusts around exposed coasts and hills, especially in the north and west."
Coastal communities may be hit by spray or large waves, and some delays to road, rail and air traffic is expected on Saturday and Sunday. Bands of heavy rain sweeping eastwards will present an additional hazard.
The adverse weather could impact weekend sporting fixtures and travel plans.
The warning comes into effect from 18:00 Saturday lasting through until 23:59 Sunday.
The Met Office is yet to name this storm, but will do so if the low pressure system has the potential to cause amber “be prepared” or red “take action” warnings.
If deemed a named storm, it will be called Storm Ciara.
NORTHERN IRELAND FOUR/FIVE DAY FORECAST
Wednesday - A fine bright day with plenty of bright spells. High 8°C / Low 3°C
Thursday to Sunday - Dry with some sunshine at times on Thursday and Friday morning. Cloudier with patchy rain later Friday. Sunny spells to start Saturday with heavy rain moving in from the west through the afternoon. Winds turning gale force by evening. Further gales on Sunday.
STORM NAMES FOR THE 2019/2020 SEASON
Storms are named by the Met Office or, in Ireland, Met Eireann, in order to raise public awareness of approaching bad weather.
In September, the Met Office and Met Éireann unvealed a list of the names of this seasons storms.
First introduced in 2015, this is the fourth year they have jointly run the ‘Name our Storms’ scheme, aimed at raising awareness of severe weather before it hits.
The first storm was ‘male’ and named Ali, while the second storm will be ‘female’ and named Bronagh, following the alternating male/female pattern established by the US National Hurricane Center in the 1970s.