It's real! Orange Weather Warning for east coast with Storm Callum on its way

Met Éireann has issued Status Orange weather warnings for 13 counties including the East Coast, with high winds coinciding with high spring tides tomorrow evening.

Forecasters said wind speeds with gusts of up to 13okm per hour will have "capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions which may constitute a risk to life and property."

Satellite image: Carlow Weather

The Orange warning comes into effect from 10pm tomorrow night and covers Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Kerry Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cork and Waterford.

Met Éireann said strong winds associated with Storm Callum could reach speeds of between 110km/h and 130km/h.

Forecasters warned:

"Stay away from exposed coastal areas for the period of the ORANGE warning.

“Drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees.

“High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists."

The northwest is expected to be most affected and the warning will remain in place there until midday on Friday.

A Status Yellow warning has also been issued for the rest of the country.

The national forecaster said a band of stormy weather will bring a risk of coastal flooding to the west of the country, while a separate area of low pressure could bring heavy rainfall to the east at the weekend.

It said strong winds could lead to some disruption, especially in exposed Atlantic coastal areas.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Joanna Donnelly of Met Éireann said winds would be strongest in coastal areas.

"Strong winds will be everywhere but they they will be strongest at the coast," she said, adding that the storm is out to the west of country by about 300km.

She added: "Strong winds will sweep up over the whole of the country but they will be at their strongest on the coast."

Ms Donnelly said there would be a risk of flooding in places.

She said "exceptionally high tides ... coupled with low pressure and very strong onshore winds" would sweep the tide up on top of coastal defences.

The Road Safety Authority has urged road users to exercise caution during Storm Callum.

It has advised road users to expect the unexpected and watch out for debris.

It has also advised pedestrians and cyclists to wear bright clothing and take care during the windy conditions.