Storm Ostan Upgraded: Severe Weather Expected with Orange Alerts in Six Counties
Ireland is on high alert as the powerful Storm Ostan approaches with heavy rain and strong winds. Met Éireann has issued orange weather warnings for six counties, including Dublin, as the previous yellow alert is upgraded. The storm is expected to bring severe flooding, significant travel disruption, and dangerous conditions.
Orange Warnings in Dublin and Cork
The orange rain warning is in place from Thursday night until Friday morning in the following regions:
Cork, Kerry, Waterford: Thursday 10:00 PM to Friday 5:00 AM.
Dublin, Wexford, Wicklow: Friday 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Met Éireann warns that intense rainfall could lead to flash flooding and extremely hazardous road conditions. Commuters are advised to expect delays and disruption to bus and rail services on Friday morning.
Nationwide Impact
A yellow warning for both rain and wind covers the entire country from Thursday 7:00 PM to Friday 10:00 AM. Rain will spread across eastern regions, and strong winds will intensify, shifting from the east to the northwest, with southern and southeastern areas most affected. Localized flooding, fallen trees, and flying debris are possible, and outdoor events could be severely impacted.
Dangerous Coastal Conditions
A status orange marine warning has also been issued for coastal waters from Wicklow Head to Dungarvan and Valenita, and for the southern Irish Sea, from Thursday 9:00 PM to Friday 7:00 AM. Mariners can expect winds reaching Storm Force 10 at times, with small craft warnings in effect for all Irish coasts.
