Ophelia, now post-tropical storm, is heading toward Ireland and the United Kingdom bringing strong winds and heavy rain

Ophelia is currently having winds of 85 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center reported. On Sunday, the storm was about 220 miles southwest of Ireland at 11 p.m. ET and it traveled to the British Isles at a speed of 44 miles per hour.

“Gale-force winds are expected to begin across southern Ireland during the next few hours and gradually spread northward across the country during the day on Monday. Hurricane-force winds are forecast to reach the southern portions of Ireland by Monday afternoon,” the center said.

“Strong winds will then spread across the remainder of Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom into Monday night. Preparations to protect lives and property should be complete.”

Moreover, the center added that it will no longer issue advisories on Ophelia, as both Irish and British meteorology services will be providing future forecasts and warnings.

A red wind warning was extended on Sunday by Ireland’s Meteorological Service that lasts until Monday.

“Violent and destructive gusts of 120 to 150 km/h are forecast countrywide. These over Munster and south Leinster this morning, will extend quickly to the rest of the country this afternoon. Also heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding,” it said in a Monday morning update. “There is a danger to life and property.”

Moreover, the National Hurricane Center released a warning saying that “a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of where the center of the post-tropical cyclone makes landfall.”

Source: cnn.com