Coastguard issues renewed alert over Christmas storms

ACHILL Island Coast Guard has issued a renewed warning that on Friday, a deep Atlantic depression, which has been named Storm Barbara, will track eastwards well to the north of Scotland.

It will bring wet and windy weather over Ireland. There will be a risk of stormy conditions in coastal counties of Connaught and Ulster.

The storm force 10 winds will be the longer than the two previous storms over Christmas, lasting in the region of 18 to 24 hours. Expect an ORANGE warning at least.

THe Achill Island Coast Guard Facebook site stated: 'This can still change and go either way as we are still a few days out yet. Another change is that the storm forcecast for Christmas Day is now due Saturday night. Again, expect an ORANGE warning at least.'