STORM CIARA: Warning of gusts of up to 110km/h as Kilkenny voters go to the polls

Kilkenny voters are bracing themselves for a stormy election tomorrow.

Literally. Met Éireann has issued two Status Yellow weather warnings for Kilkenny and the rest of the county, both of which will come into effect from tomorrow as the country goes to the polls for the 2020 General Election.

A status yellow wind warning comes into effect at 9am tomorrow and will remain in place until 11.59pm on Sunday.

Met Éireann said “southerly winds will strengthen” throughout tomorrow, “reaching mean speeds of 50-65km/h with gusts reaching 90-110km/h”.

On Sunday, Storm Ciara “will produce very strong winds over Ireland … with a risk of damaging gusts”.

Met Éireann said: “Over the weekend the combination of Spring Tides and high seas as well as stormy conditions will result in an elevated risk of coastal flooding especially along southern, western and northwestern coasts.”

The Status Yellow rain warning comes into effect at 12pm tomorrow and will remain in place until 3pm on Sunday.

The forecaster said that on election day, a spell of “heavy rain will spread eastwards across the country” with 20-40mm expected. However, the levels of rain will be highest in the West and North West.

Met Éireann added: “Another spell of heavy rain on Sunday will clear to squally wintry showers. Another 20-40mm likely.”

The national forecast also warned there is a risk of “localised flooding” this weekend, especially in the West.