Ferry passengers travelling between Ireland, Britain and France were advised to expect potential disruption as Storm Dave approached the country, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and the risk of coastal flooding.
Operators including Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries warned that several scheduled sailings might be affected by deteriorating weather conditions and advised travellers to consider adjusting their travel plans where possible. The companies indicated that passengers should monitor updates closely and, if feasible, either postpone or advance their crossings as the storm system moved across the region.
While ferry operators prepared for possible interruptions, no widespread disruption to air travel had been reported as of Friday afternoon. Nevertheless, passengers were encouraged to remain attentive to airline notifications. At the same time, Dublin Airport was preparing for what was expected to be its busiest weekend of the year to date, with approximately 450,000 travellers anticipated to pass through the airport.
Rail services were expected to continue operating largely as planned. A spokesperson for Irish Rail indicated that engineering works would proceed according to schedule, noting that sections of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit line are sometimes affected by flooding during periods of severe weather and high tides. However, based on current forecasts, such disruption was not anticipated and the line was expected to reopen as scheduled early the following Tuesday.
Authorities also issued general safety advice as the storm approached. Motorists and outdoor workers were urged to exercise caution, as forecast winds were considered strong enough in certain areas to bring down trees and cause damage to property.
Storm Dave, which formed in the Atlantic, was forecast to reach the southwest and southern counties of Ireland from around early afternoon on Saturday before moving northeast across the country. The system was expected to bring periods of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and high spring tides, conditions that the national meteorological service warned could lead to coastal flooding as well as isolated inland flooding.
A nationwide yellow wind warning was scheduled to remain in effect from Saturday afternoon until the early hours of Sunday, although meteorologists indicated that conditions in Donegal might warrant an upgrade to an orange warning level due to the likelihood of stronger gusts.
The Irish Coast Guard appealed to the public to remain clear of exposed coastal locations, including harbour walls, piers and low-lying promenades, particularly during high tide. Meanwhile, the National Severe Weather and Flooding Coordination Group continued to monitor developments, with local authorities placed on alert in vulnerable coastal regions.
Conditions were expected to ease somewhat on Sunday, although cooler and unsettled weather was forecast to follow. A further band of strong winds forming near Iceland was projected to move across Ireland on Monday, though it was not expected to reach storm intensity.