Storm Isha named as Ireland braces for more Met Éireann warnings and 130km/h winds

Met Éireann is likely to issue more serious weather warnings for the arrival of Storm Isha to Ireland over the weekend with strong 130km/h winds expected.

Storm Isha has now been named by the UK Met Office with a number of warnings already issued by Met Éireann, including a Status Orange for Northern Ireland on Sunday.

They have issued a Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland as they predict "very strong and gusty southwest winds and heavy rainfall also."

Met Éireann lists potential impacts as significant coastal waves, difficult travelling conditions, as well as debris and loose objects displaced.

They have urged people to "check back for updates to warnings" and one forecaster believes that upgraded warnings are now likely.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said: "Storm Isha has officially been named by the UK Met Office with severe winds expected throughout Sunday, with winds reaching up to 120km/h, possibly up to 130km/h in some exposed coastal areas.

"The storm is likely to cause some disruption to transport services, power supplies and may cause some minor structural damage in some parts. All areas are currently at risk with the northwest possibly facing the worst of the conditions."

Cathal believes some areas will now be hit with Status Orange warnings.

In Met Éireann's general outlook for the next few days, they say it will be "milder but more unsettled with wet and windy weather at times."

They say: "Saturday will be a much milder day with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Some dry spells will develop in the afternoon but a more persistent spell of rain will spread from the west again tomorrow evening. Noticeably windier with fresh to strong southerly winds and highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees.

"A wet start to the night [Saturday] with widespread rain, clearing eastwards to scattered showers and clear spells overnight. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees with winds easing moderate southwesterly.

"Becoming wet and windy on Sunday with heavy rain spreading from the southwest and strong to near gale force and gusty southerly winds developing. Gales developing on some coasts also. Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees.

"Very windy and wet with very strong and gusty southwest winds and gales on coasts [on Sunday night]. Widespread heavy showers will gradually become more scattered overnight as winds veer westerly. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees."

Beyond the weekend, they say Monday will be "a blustery day with fresh and gusty westerly winds. Much brighter with sunny spells and scattered showers, some heavy with a chance of hail. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees."