Storm Fergus: Possible tornado rips through Leitrim village as second storm of weekend moves in

Homes and cars in Leitrim village have been seriously damaged after a possible tornado hit the area.

Emergency services were called to the town on Sunday afternoon after high winds flattened trees, ripped a roof off a building and left debris scattered on a street.

Met Eireann meteorologist Liz Walsh said reports of a tornado in the area were “possibly correct” or “certainly some very high winds associated with the thunderstorm”.

She said the forecaster was relying on social media reports and videos to say for certain if it was a tornado.

It comes after a yellow thunderstorm warning was issued for Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath from midday until 6pm, meaning thunderstorms and lightning are likely.

Orange warnings for wind are in place for counties Clare, Galway and Mayo, indicating very strong onshore winds coupled with high waves and high tides.

Storm Fergus, the second named storm of the weekend, has also brought yellow warnings for wind in counties Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo.

Those counties can expect difficult travelling conditions caused by debris or displaced loose objects.

Met Éireann meteorologist Michelle Dillon said: “Strong to gale force southwest winds veering westerly will be developing through Sunday afternoon, evening and early Sunday night as Storm Fergus tracks eastwards across the country.

“Storm surge will lead to high seas and along with the stormy conditions there’s the possibility of coastal flooding along parts of the west coast, particularly at high tide.”

[ What’s the weather forecast for your area? ]

Northern Ireland and the west of Scotland are forecast to get the worst of the rain on Sunday in the UK, according to the UK’s Met Office.

It will turn very windy from later on Sunday afternoon with highest temperature between eight to 12 degrees. Winds will be particularly strong in the west with some severe or damaging gusts leading to some wave overtopping and possibly localised coastal flooding.

While Monday will begin mostly dry with crisp sunshine, the unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week. Scattered outbreaks of rain on Monday will move into the south and west, gradually extending to other areas towards the evening.

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