The Irish Coast Guard is urging members of the public to take of the warnings issued by Met Éireann with Storm Erik set to bring "severe" winds to the country tomorrow.

In a statement, the emergency service warned the public to "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry" when in exposed areas - especially when on piers, walkways and cliff areas.

It also urged all mariners and users of smaller vessels to pay particular attention to the weather warnings.

Anyone who sees anyone they believe to be in difficulty at sea or along the coast should call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Storm Erik

Earlier, Met Éireann warned that Storm Erik will bring "severe or damaging gusts" of wind to the northwest of the country tomorrow.

The forecaster has issued Status Orange wind warnings for Galway, Mayo and Donegal ahead of the storms arrival.

The warnings for Galway and Mayo come into force at 5am on Friday morning and will remain in place until 1pm that afternoon.

The Donegal warning meanwhile, will remain in place from 9am on Friday until 6am on Saturday.

Met Éireann said the counties will experience average wind speeds of between 65kph and 80kph - "with some severe or damaging gusts of 110kph to 130kph.

The forecaster said the highest winds will be in exposed coastal areas. It said "very high seas" are likely to cause coastal flooding.

Status Yellow

A Status Yellow warning will be in force over the rest of the country  with wind speeds reaching 50kph to 65kph - with gusts reaching 80kph to 110 kph.

Met Éireann said winds will be even stronger along exposed Atlantic coasts where very high seas will give the risk of coastal flooding.

The forecaster said Friday will be "a very windy day with strong to gale force and gusty southwesterly winds gradually veering westerly."

Potentially damaging gusts on the west coast through the morning and for much of the day on north coasts.

After a mild and wet start to the day, drier, brighter and more showery conditions will extend to most places by the afternoon. Afternoon highs of 6C to 9C degrees.

Expect the unexpected

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said all road users should exercise caution while the warnings remain in effect.

The authority said motorists should check local weather and traffic conditions before setting out on a trip.

Motorists should:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
• Drivers should allow extra space allow between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times

Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists should:

• Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.