Storm Ewan hits the south west coast with strong gales forecast

THE latest winter storm to hit Ireland is Storm Ewan, which hit the south west coast earlier this morning.

Just days after Storm Doris took effect on the northern half of the country, the latest storm has resulted in an orange marine warning for the south coast.

Met Eireann has issued a gale warning for today, saying south to south west winds will reach gale force 8 to strong gale force 9 today.

It added there would be ‘storm force gusts, on coasts from Malin Head to Carnsore Point to Valentia and on the Irish Sea.’

The general forecast for today is for ‘very windy’ weather in Munster and Leinster, especially near south and south east coasts with south west winds gusting to between 100 and 120 km/hr.

There will also be heavy or thundery rain also, especially in the midlands, Connacht and Ulster.

‘The rain will clear later this afternoon with showers following,’ it continued. ‘Winds will veer westerly but will continue fresh to strong and gusty. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.’