Storm Abigail has not run out of puff just yet

IT'S wet and it's windy, and Storm Abigail is going to hang about for a while yet, Met Éireann is forecasting.

And as the 'Status Orange' storm rages along the western seaboard over the next number of hours, including parts of Mayo, ALONE - the charity which supports older people in need - is urging older people to take extra care.

Older people can be more vulnerable during poor weather and stormy conditions. Most at risk are those living alone, those with health issues, and those with limited mobility.

ALONE is calling on members of the public to check on their older neighbours and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop or post office during the bad weather, and is asking older people who are concerned about their own wellbeing during the stormy weather to call for assistance and help if needed.

Gusts of up to 120km/h are expected in parts of Mayo, with squally showers of rain or hail as well, some of which may be thundery. However, the strong to gale force southwesterly winds will decrease fresh and gusty over land as the night goes on. It's going to turn cold also, with lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius.

It will remain cold and blustery tomorrow (Friday), with sunny intervals and scattered rain or hail showers, some thundery. The strong and gusty westerly winds will continue throughout the day, making it feel cold; highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees Celsius are expected.

A clearance to dry weather tomorrow night will be replaced by persistent rain by Saturday afternoon, with a risk of localised flooding. Winds will be lighter, however. The rain is expected to clear slowly on Saturday night, with outbreaks of rain on a cloudy but milder Sunday.

If you have concerns for an older person or older people in need of assistance, contact ALONE on (01) 6791032. For further information, including advice and tips for older people in cold weather conditions, log on to www.alone.ie.