Weather warnings have taken effect nationwide ahead of the main arrival of Storm Ciara tomorrow.
A wind warning for the entire country has been upgraded to Status Orange level with gusts of up to 130km/h forecast.
Met Éireann has issued the alert for 5am until 12pm on Sunday.
Over the weekend, the combination of Spring Tides and high seas, as well as the stormy conditions, will result in an increased risk of coastal flooding, especially along southern, western and northwestern coasts.
A Status Orange wind alert is in place for Donegal and Mayo, with gusts of up to 120 km/h forecast for those counties.
The warning takes effect from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday.
The same warning is in place for Galway, from 1pm to 6pm today.
The Status Orange wind warning for tomorrow morning is still valid. It will return to our website shortly, we have had technical difficulties relating to the expired Status Orange warning for selected western counties. pic.twitter.com/sbc8Tp0O6h
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 8, 2020
Strengthening southerly winds will feed in well sctd shwrs this morning Turning extremely wet across the western half of the country this aftn with spot flooding and some severe southwest gusts Heavy thundery rain will extend countrywide later bringing further localised flooding pic.twitter.com/mOX7MBRGLE
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 8, 2020
A Status Yellow rain warning has also been issued for all counties from midday today until 3pm on Sunday.
A spell of heavy rain will spread eastwards across the country with 20-40mm expected.
Rainfall will be highest in the west and northwest.
Meanwhile, Aer Lingus is advising all passengers travelling tonight and tomorrow to check the status of their flight before departing for the airport.
They say there may be some flight delays and cancellations due to Storm Ciara.
Met Éireann predicts that another spell of heavy rain on Sunday will clear to squally wintry showers, with 20-40mm of rainfall likely.
The forecaster has warned of a risk of localised flooding this weekend, especially over the western half of the country.
The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds.
It is advising them to reduce their speed and watch out for falling debris on the road.
Meanwhile, in the UK, a "danger to life" warning has been issued by the MET Office as the nation expects its most intense storm in seven years.
