MET Éireann has issued a Status Red warning for Clare and Kerry, the fifth weather warning in place for counties across Ireland today.

Storm Hannah, which is set to blow in later today – will bring with it the threat of power outages and treacherous conditions on coasts and roads.

Met Eireann has issued a fresh Status Red alert for Kerry, warning that gusts are set to reach up to 150km/h.

The alert will be in place between 6pm and 8pm this evening.

Kerry County Council Tweeted: “Status red warning in place from 6pm to 8pm – please do not travel and remain indoors.

“It is strongly recommended that people remain indoors after this time as an Orange warning is in place from 8.00pm to 1.00am.”

This comes after a Status Red warning was issued for the Banner county this afternoon, with “violent” gusts of up to 150km/h set to hit the west coast.

“Red means take action and listen to advice of the civil authorities, Coast Guard, gardai etc,” said Evelyn Cusack, head of forecasting with Met Éireann.

“We also have our second highest level out for Galway but it will mainly be west Galway in Connemara and the Aran Islands. There will be gusts higher than 130kmh so very severe conditions for a short time. There will also be gusts in the red in the Dingle Peninsula. That’s where the worst will be.”

Clare County Council is urging people to stay indoors while the warning is in place and to “tie up any loose property”.

The warning is valid from 8pm until 11pm this evening.

Forecasters put out a third Status Orange this morning for Galway, which will be hit with wind gusts of up to 120-130kmh.

Two Status Orange wind warnings have also been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick from 4pm today until 1am tomorrow and Tipperary and Waterford from 10pm tonight until 2am tomorrow.

Met Éireann warned this morning that the other wind warnings “could dip into Status Red territory”.

A separate Status Yellow wind warning is in place from 11pm today until 9am tomorrow for Connacht, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Donegal, Tipperary and Waterford.

It comes just days after the mini heatwave that made the Easter Bank Holiday such a pleasant experience for sun lovers – but the national forecaster has now told the public to “be prepared for possible disruption and power outages in some western counties”.

“Southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speed of 65 to 80km/h and gusts of 110 to 120km/h for a time tonight,” Met Éireann said.

The storm is expected to bring strong gale force winds to Munster, Connacht and south Leinster tonight, with “severe and damaging gusts” in west Munster and along the coast.

It will become “windy countrywide overnight” but the damaging winds are expected to gradually ease out throughout the night. However, outbreaks of rain will continue with “some heavy bursts”.

Gardai have appealed to the public to “extra cautious” as a result of tonight’s weather forecast.

They are asking people to use caution near coastal areas and to take necessary precautions out on the roads.

“Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should be aware of the danger posed by high winds as they are particularly vulnerable. Drivers of high sided vehicles should take all necessary precautions and pay attention to the warnings,” a garda spokesperson said.

“We ask people living near coastal, cliff and waterway areas, particularly those with children, to be extra cautious considering the gusty winds forecast.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging motorists to “take extreme care” while driving. It is also advising all road users to check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip.

“It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front,” a spokesperson said.

“Pedestrians and cyclists should take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.”

ESB has advised people to be prepared for Storm Hannah, with tips including downloading the PowerCheck app, charging your phone and have a working torch available.

Meanwhile, Cork and Shannon Airports are advising customers to contact their airlines directly to get the latest information regarding their flights this evening.

Saturday will have a windy start in the morning, but all remaining rain in the east and north are expected to clear by early afternoon.

There will be some sunny spells and a few scattered showers in the west and south, with highs of 8-12C.

Sunday will be a mostly cloudy and misty day with some small amounts of patchy rain or drizzle in many areas, with temperatures reaching 16C.

Current indications for Monday suggest some “persistent” rain in the west in the afternoon, extending eastwards over the country on Monday night.

The UK Met Office has also issued a Status Yellow wind warning.

The Irish Sailing from the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships is taking place this weekend in Crosshaven, Co Cork but some events have had to be cancelled today due to the weather and tomorrow’s races look uncertain.

Hannah Hampers, of the Irish Sailing Youth Championships, said in a statement this evening: “Racing is currently abandoned for the day and possibly until later on Saturday subject to a decision in the morning and depending on the progress of Storm Hanna.”

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