LIVE: Met Éireann warning extended as Storm Dave set to batter Ireland this Easter weekend
Updated alert for Ireland now runs Saturday afternoon to early Sunday as winds and flooding risk flagged
A major weather warning for Storm Dave has been updated and extended, with Met Éireann warning of very strong winds, heavy rain and flooding risks across Ireland this Easter weekend.
The nationwide Status Yellow wind warning will now run from 1pm on Saturday until 2am on Sunday, as forecasters say conditions will deteriorate earlier than expected.
Met Éireann warned Storm Dave will bring "very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening with severe gusts and coastal gales."
Potential impacts include "some fallen trees, branches", "difficult travelling conditions" and "debris, loose objects displaced", along with wave overtopping in exposed coastal areas.
A separate Yellow wind warning is also in place for Northern Ireland, covering counties including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, running from 2pm Saturday until 3am Sunday, with warnings of potential damage and disruption.
The latest update comes alongside a wider weather advisory in place until Tuesday, warning of a prolonged unsettled spell.
Met Éireann said there is a "potential for some severe or damaging west to southwest gusts" and warned that "coastal flooding is likely, especially around high tide times and in exposed, low-lying locations."
Forecasters added that "high astronomical tides (spring tides) coinciding with storm surge and persistent onshore winds will further increase the risk of coastal flooding," particularly along the west and north coasts.
In its latest forecast, Met Éireann said: "Storm Dave will bring very windy and wet weather on Saturday," with winds becoming "very strong and gusty through the day."
"The strong onshore winds coinciding with high waves and high tides will give a risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding."
"Heavier and more persistent rain will spread eastwards across the country through the afternoon with spot flooding possible."
Looking beyond the storm, conditions will remain unsettled.
Met Éireann said Sunday will be "a bright and breezy day with sunny spells and scattered showers," though it will feel cool, with temperatures of just 7 to 10 degrees.
Monday is expected to be "a windy day" with "outbreaks of rain and drizzle," while Tuesday will bring "widespread outbreaks of rain" in continued breezy conditions.
The forecaster added that the week ahead will remain mixed, with "rain at times but dry intervals too" as the unsettled Atlantic pattern continues.
Road users and coastal communities are being urged to take extra care, with the combination of strong winds, heavy rain and high tides creating hazardous conditions in places.