Huge Waves Likely As Gales Lash Ireland

There is a major weather alert this weekend as the west coast of Ireland may experience some of the highest waves in years.

Both the Marine Institute and Met Éireann have warned the conditions - particularly on Saturday afternoon - will be so bad as to be hazardous to ships and fishing vessels.

It will also be dangerous for those walking close to the shoreline, or fishing from the shore in exposed areas.

The Irish weather office has warned that waves of up to 14 metres (45') in height are possible along the whole west coast tomorrow afternoon. They said that the last time waves of this size were recorded was on January 17th, 2005.

"Similar conditions could occur this weekend if the weather systems develop as predicted," the Marine Institute said.

"When a broad area of very low pressure sits in the Atlantic to the north of Ireland, as will happen on this Friday and Saturday, waves are able to build over a considerable distance - which could lead to these extreme waves arriving in Irish waters."

Met Éireann itself issued a gale warning at 4am on Friday that southwest winds will reach gale force on coasts from Fair Head to Carnsore Point to Valentia and the Irish Sea.

It also said westerly gales or strong gales will develop tonight on all Irish coastal waters.

Met Eireann and the Marine Institute said all ships and anyone close to the shoreline "should take great care, especially on Saturday".

(BMcC)