Several thousand homes and businesses are without power as Storm Dennis tracks over Ireland.
The worst affected areas today were Tuam in Co Galway with almost 2,100 without electricity, followed by Whitechurch in Co Cork and Johnstown in Co Kildare where around 1,500 customers are impacted.
A status orange wind warning is in effect in nine counties until 10pm tonight with strong winds and a risk of coastal flooding.
Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick will be hit with "severe gusts of up to 120km/h".
Average wind speeds will be 60 to 80 km/h in those areas and strongest on exposed hills and coasts with a risk of flooding.
A status yellow wind warning is in place for the country, with average wind speeds of 50 to 65km/h and gusts of 90 to 110km/h.
This will be in place until 11pm tonight.
Gardaí are urging motorists to exercise caution while using the roads today, advising people to take extra care, check local weather and traffic conditions before setting out on a trip.
The Road Safety Authority is also advising people getting behind the wheel to be extremely cautious - especially in the counties where a status orange alert is in operation.
The national Office of Emergency Planning has asked people to heed the weather warnings and to stay away from exposed coasts as there are risks of dangerous seas associated with high winds.
The effects of Storm Dennis will continue today. It will be very windy everywhere with strong and very gusty southwest winds. It will be stormy at times near west and north coasts with gales and severe or damaging gusts and a risk of coastal flooding. pic.twitter.com/EAm5dxVWZm
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 16, 2020
Elsewhere, a red weather warning for "prolonged heavy rain" was issued for South Wales this morning meaning there is a danger to life.
The UK Met Office says buildings may collapse and homes are likely to suffer extensive damage, as Storm Dennis continues to batter the country.
Hundreds of flood warnings are in place in Britain, with several railway lines also affected by flooding.
