Storm Austen is forecast to bring storm-force winds to Ireland's south coast and southern Irish Sea on Thursday night, with Met Éireann issuing a Status Orange marine storm warning for winds reaching Force 10 at times.
The warning covers waters from Wicklow Head to Dungarvan to Valentia and the Irish Sea south of Anglesey, and is valid from 9pm on Thursday, 22 October, until 7am on Friday, 23 October.
North to northwest winds are forecast to reach Force 10, equivalent to sustained speeds of 48–55 knots (89–102km/h) on the Beaufort scale.
A separate Status Yellow marine gale warning covers waters from Fair Head to Carnsore Point to Slyne Head, including the Irish Sea, with Force 8 or strong gale Force 9 winds forecast at times from Thursday evening into Friday.
Met Éireann has also issued a small craft warning for all Irish coasts, with winds reaching Force 6 or higher at times from Thursday afternoon into Saturday night.
Kitesurfer on Cork Harbour ahead of Storm Austen
In Cork Harbour on Wednesday morning, Afloat photographer Robert Bateman captured a kitesurfer off Little Island, approximately two miles from Blackrock Castle, before the arrival of Storm Austen's strongest forecast winds.
Bateman photographed the rider beneath a striking orange kite against the industrial shoreline, while a second image captured the action close-up.
Riding the Breeze – A kitesurfer makes the most of Wednesday's conditions in Cork Harbour, before stronger winds associated with Storm Austen arrive. Photo: Robert Bateman
Marine and harbour precautions
The forecast winds could create hazardous conditions for small craft, exposed moorings and harbour approaches. Boat owners and harbour users should check local arrangements and the latest forecasts before making plans.
Met Éireann's sea area forecast issued at noon on Wednesday said Storm Austen would track to the south of Ireland, with winds backing northwesterly and reaching storm force at times in southern and eastern sea areas.
Heavy rain is also expected, with Status Orange rainfall warnings for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 10pm Thursday to 5am Friday. The latest official forecasts and warnings are available from Met Éireann's warnings page and its marine forecast.
