Storm Ciara's expected arrival in Ireland on Friday with southerly winds gusting to over 50 mph means a number of weekend sailing fixtures are now in doubt.
Dublin Bay Sailing Club's second race of the Spring Chicken Series is scheduled for Sunday but race organisers have already warned: "Next Sunday is looking very breezy at moment but you never know!"
Met Eireann has issued the following outlook:
"After a mostly dry start on Saturday morning, heavy rain and strong and gusty southerly winds will move eastwards over the country bringing a risk of very strong squally winds, with gales along all coasts and strong gale force winds along the northwest coast. The rain possibly lingering into the evening in parts of Leinster and Munster.
Cold and largely dry for a time on Saturday night with lows of 2 to 6 degrees. However, another spell of rain and strengthening south to southwest winds will arrive into western areas before morning.
Current indications suggest a very strong to near gale force and gusty southwest wind will develop on Sunday along with heavy rain, as Storm Ciara tracks to the north of the country. The rain will clear to showers and squally westerly winds later in the day, with a risk of some hail and thunder. Highest temperatures 10 to 13 degrees".
