ALERT: Status orange weather warning extended to two more counties

A status orange wind warning has been extended to counties Clare and Donegal as Ireland prepares for Storm Ashley.

The whole country will be under a status yellow wind warning from midnight this Saturday night (Sunday) until 3am on Monday, October 21.

The status orange warning, for counties Clare, Donegal, Galway and Mayo, will come into effect at midday on Sunday and will remain valid until 9pm with Storm Ashley expected to bring "very strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides".

READ MORE: Storm Ashley: Road users warned to 'take extreme care' this weekend

Met Éireann have also issued a warning of difficult travelling conditions as well as dangerous coastal conditions as winds are powerful enough to cause damage to power lines, power outages and damage to weakened structures.

Following the weather forecaster's warnings, the Road Safety Authority has also issued advice to all road users to take "extreme care" over the weekend since the status orange and status yellow warnings were issued.

For the orange wind warning, it warns of difficult road conditions with the risk of fallen trees and debris as well as damaged power lines.

For the yellow warning, which will impact the whole country, motorists have been advised to allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

Road users are strongly advised to exercise caution and to avoid driving through flooded roads and to instead take alternative routes.

It told motorists to take extra care when driving behind goods vehicles due to the heightened levels of spray which reduces visibility.

It also added that drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they could be blown off course by strong winds.

In addition to this, the RSA have issued guidelines for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists about increasing visibility, walking facing traffic on roads without footpaths and taking extra care when crossing the road.