Weather warnings have been issued by Met Éireann for the island of Ireland with Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, expected to make landfall on Sunday.

The National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and representatives from local authorities met on Friday to discuss the upcoming storm.

A status orange wind warning has been issued for Galway and Mayo from midday to 9pm on Sunday, with winds of up to 120km/h expected. There is a risk of coastal flooding due to spring high tides.

A yellow warning was issued for the rest of the state from 6 a.m. Sunday until midnight. A yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for Northern Ireland between 3am on Sunday and midday on Monday.

A yellow marine warning is in place for the entire Irish coastline.

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Met Éireann forecaster Liz Gavan said it was possible weather warnings could be upgraded “as confidence increases” as the storm approaches. Any upgrade may also include a rain warning, with heavy rain expected throughout the morning across the country.

Sunday will also be a very windy day across the country, with a few thunderstorms possible.

Strong to violent southwesterly winds could cause some disruption, particularly in Atlantic coastal areas.

Winds will ease Monday to leave a mostly dry day with sunny spells and only a few showers in Atlantic coastal counties.

NDFEM national director Keith Leonard said those living in coastal areas should “stay back, stay high, stay dry”.

“Dangerous driving conditions are possible and road users should pay close attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris, as the trees are full of leaves,” he added. “There is a risk of tidal flooding in coastal areas, particularly in the southern and western counties. In addition, persistent heavy downpours are expected, which could lead to surface flooding in urban areas.

Galway City Council has warned there will be a possibility of large coastal waves, associated with high spring tides.

Interagency discussions took place this morning between the council, the HSE, An Garda Síochana, Galway Fire Brigade, the Harbor Master and Civil Defence.

The flood barrier is in place at Spanish Arch and a number of car parks will be closed. Businesses and homeowners located near docks and coastal areas are advised to have sandbags available.

“Overtaking may occur at high tide over the weekend – road closures may occur along Salthill Promenade and Seapoint. There may also be road closures along Dock Road,” added a statement from Galway City Council.