LAST UPDATE | 10 Mar 2021

A STATUS ORANGE wind warning is now live for Cork and Kerry.

The very wet and windy weather is set to continue until tomorrow morning at least, Met Éireann says. 

The warning went live at 8pm and is scheduled to finish at midnight. 

A Status Yellow wind warning also kicked in this afternoon for all of Munster as well as counties in Leinster and Connacht.

That warning is due to remain in place until 7am tomorrow. 

People in Cork and Kerry are being warned to expect southwest to west winds “reaching mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with damaging gusts to 120km/h for a time early tonight and some wave overtopping”.

Winds of up to 65km/h gusting  up to 110km/h are expected elsewhere. 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has asked road users to take care amid the stormy spell.

Road users in Cork and Kerry are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any journeys this evening.

Motorists are advised that control of a vehicle can be affected by strong cross winds and to watch out for any debris on the roads. 

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to make sure they are visible on the roads by wearing bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. 

They are also advised to take extra care when crossing roads or cycling in very windy conditions, as a sudden gust of wind has the potential to “blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle”. 

Tomorrow is again due to be cold and blustery, with a mix of frequent heavy showers and some sunny spells. 

The showers will bring a risk of hail and thunder, which may turn wintry at times on high ground. 

- Additional reporting by Orla Dwyer.