Two status orange weather warnings for the west as Storm Erik approaches

Image: Met Eireann

Met Éireann has issued two status orange weather warnings for the west of Ireland as Storm Erik approaches.

The warnings were issued on Thursday morning, the first concerns Galway and Mayo and is valid from Friday 8 February at 5am until 1pm on the same day.

Wind Warnings issued for Storm Erik
Status Orange: for Donegal, Galway & Mayo.
Gusts to 130 km/h

Status Yellow: for all areas
Gusts to 110 km/h

Valid from Friday 5am (Validity times vary).https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt #StormErik pic.twitter.com/5H6TVe57QZ

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 7, 2019

Met Éireann says the counties can expect: ''Severe or damaging gusts of 110 to 130 km/h.'' With the strongest winds in exposed coastal areas.

Some areas may also see some coastal flooding.

The second warning is for Donegal and is valid from Friday at 9am until Saturday at 6am, with the same conditions anticipated.

⚠️STATUS ORANGE WEATHER WARNING⚠️

?Donegal, Mayo, Galway

?Southwest to west winds, mean speeds of 65-80 km/h with some severe or damaging gusts 110-130 km/h. Highest winds in exposed coastal areas (values may be exceeded at times) Very high seas with some coastal flooding pic.twitter.com/dWANIv8yuu

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) February 7, 2019

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority of Ireland have urged motorists to take extra caution on the roads.