Storm Brendan: '70-80mph' gales set to batter Northern Ireland tomorrow
A blustery Monday on the cards... ⚠️💨🍃
Hold on to your hats, The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds as Storm Brendan is expected hit bringing possible disruption tomorrow.
According to forecasters; "Winds will strengthen through Monday afternoon with gusts of 60-70mph likely inland, and 80mph around coastal areas of Northern Ireland."
There is risk of coastal flooding due to a combination of high spring tides and storm surge.
Bands of heavy rain sweeping eastwards could present an additional hazard.
The storm was named on Saturday by Met Éireann, who have issued status orange weather warnings covering all counties in the Republic of Ireland.
The adverse weather could impact travel plans.
While the morning commute might stay dry, expect things to turn nasty in the afternoon.
"Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close."
"Winds will lead to large waves affecting coasts and the possibility of waves overtopping some coastal routes."
The warning comes into effect from 10:00 Monday lasting through until 23:59.
Belfast City Council has warned that parks will be closed on Monday morning.
NORTHERN IRELAND FOUR/FIVE DAY FORECAST
Tuesday - A few early showers on Tuesday before rain spreads northeast in the afternoon. Sleet/snow over higher ground. High 5°C / Low 3°C
Wednesday - Strong westerly winds on Wednesday with occasional showers. High 7°C / Low 4°C
Further Outlook - Turning wet again on Thursday, however there are signs of more settled weather moving in by next weekend.
STORM NAMES FOR THE 2019/2020 SEASON
This is the second named storm of the winter season following Storm Atiyah in December.
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 ‘female’ and named Atiyah, while the second storm will be ‘male’ and named Brendan, following the alternating male/female pattern established by the US National Hurricane Center in the 1970s.