Storm Gerrit: Thunderstorm warnings today, freezing cold snap expected next amid new wind warning for four counties

Munster, Donegal, and Connacht can expect thunderstorms today with the risk of power outages, hazardous travelling conditions, and localised flooding, Met Éireann has warned.

Separately, a Status Yellow wind and rain warning for Clare, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo came into effect this morning and is valid until 6am tomorrow.

These counties can expect squally showers with the risk of localised and coastal flooding.

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for Donegal, Leitrim, North Mayo and Sligo from 6am on Friday to 9pm.

The national forecaster said heavy rainfall is likely to lead to localised flooding.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow wind warning was issued this evening for Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford, which is valid from 2am on Saturday until noon.

Southerly winds will increase strong to gale force and gusty. These onshore winds coupled with high Spring tides will lead to some coastal flooding.

Motorists have been urged to take extreme care on the roads as high winds and torrential rain in the wake of Storm Gerrit will be followed by a cold snap likely to create icy and treacherous conditions.

The warning came as Cork and Kerry avoided major flood damage amid concerns over the impact of heavy rain from Gerrit coupled with a storm surge and high tides.

A status orange wind warning for Cork, Kerry, Clare, Waterford and Wexford was in force until the early hours of this morning. The entire country was also subject to a status yellow wind and rain warning until the early hours.

High winds forced a number of outdoor attractions, including Fota Wildlife Park, to close early as a precautionary measure.

The year will end on a wild note with a combination of blustery winds, heavy rainfall and then a cold snap with the potential for heavy frost and ice over the next four days.

Stena Line cancelled last night’s scheduled 8pm ferry from Rosslare to Cherbourg and the 7.30pm sailing from Rosslare to Fishguard due to adverse weather conditions on the Irish Sea.

The company said the next available departure for Cherbourg is scheduled for tonight at 8pm. Sailings for Fishguard that were scheduled for today are currently “in doubt”.

Flooding was reported on roads near Fermoy, Mallow, Tralee, Bantry, Millstreet and Listowel, with a number of roads impassable, including the R621 outside Mallow, the R587 at Derrylahan, Longfields Bridge at Killavullen and a secondary road outside Dunmanway.

Both Cork and Kerry county councils had emergency crews on standby, given the ongoing concerns over flooding due to the heavy rainfall, storm surge and high tides.

Kerry County Council had sandbag stations operating in various parts of Kenmare, Sneem, Dingle, Castleisland, Killarney, Listowel, Tralee and Cahersiveen.

Cork County Council similarly had sandbags available with flood barriers set to be erected as a precautionary measure in Mallow and Fermoy as the level of the River Blackwater is set to rise.

Cork City Council said its crews remain on standby, while Cork County Council was alerted to a number of minor spot-flooding incidents.

Trees were blown down by the gale-force winds, but no major damage or disruption was reported.

The bad weather is set to prove a headache over the coming days for traders who had hoped for milder conditions as the post-Christmas sales get into full swing.

Drivers have been urged to slow down, allow extra time for journeys and check their headlights, wipers and tyres.

Those planning to travel over the coming days have been advised to check with bus and rail operators as some schedules remain at reduced levels.

Iarnrod Éireann spokesperson Jane Cregan said: “All rail services were back operating this morning but there are some schedule alterations between today and December 31.”

Dart and InterCity services will operate at altered schedules.

Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports advised passengers to check with their airlines as blustery winds over the next 24 hours might affect some flights.

Water safety and hillwalking groups urged people to take extra care along exposed coastal areas due to the high winds and the likelihood of treacherous sea conditions.

Met Éireann’s Siobhán Ryan said the stormy conditions will persist over the coming days with the potential for some dangerous travelling conditions.

“Thursday will be a rather windy day with sunny spells and showers, most frequent across Connacht and Ulster, possibly turning wintry,” she said.

“Some thunderstorms are possible in the north-west with highest temperatures of 5C to 10C in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds.”

Showers might turn to sleet and snow in northern parts as gales on Atlantic coasts might lead to the ongoing risk of coastal flooding, Met Éireann said.

“Thursday night will be cold with clear spells and scattered blustery showers with potential for some hail or sleet on hills in the north and north west.

“There may also be a risk of some frost or ice for sheltered areas with lowest temperatures of 1C to 4C, again in a fresh and gusty west to south-west wind.”

Tomorrow will see sunny spells and scattered blustery showers, with highest temperatures of 4 to 8C, with a wind chill factor.

The sleet of snow is possible mainly over higher ground in the north and west, Met Éireann said.

Friday night will see isolated showers continuing in northern areas. Cloud is likely to build from the southwest as the rain develops and spreads to the northeast overnight, with a possibility of turning into sleet or snow in higher parts.

It will be windy with the rain, fresh to strong winds, and temperatures dropping to -2 to +4C early at night.

Meanwhile, Saturday will be another windy day with rain clearing to sunny spells and scattered showers. Temperatures will range between 4 and 8C, with very strong and gusty wind.