Thousands of people are without power throughout the country with winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour forecast due to Storm Aiden.
An orange wind warning is in effect for Counties Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Clare.
#StormAiden Warnings for today Saturday.
All weather warnings for Ireland can be viewed on our website here - https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS and via our Android and IOS apps. Click/tap on on each day to view the warnings active for that day.
National forecast: https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/s5TWTHHh2t— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 31, 2020
The Met Eireann warning came into effect at 8am on Saturday morning and will be in place until 4pm.
It said strong south-west to westerly winds associated with Storm Aiden will reach mean speeds of 65kph to 80kph, with severe and damaging gusts of 100kph to 130kph.
#StormAiden very strong to gale force southwesterly winds, veering westerly with severe and damaging gusts. Very high seas too with the risk of some coastal flooding. Rain clearing to sunshine and heavy, squally showers, with risk of hail and isolated thunderstorms. 1/2
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 31, 2020
A yellow wind warning is in place for the rest of the country until 4pm.
Met Eireann said strong southerly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds of 50kph to 65kph with severe and possibly damaging gusts to around 100kph across the country.
They said some coastal flooding is also possible due to a combination of low pressure, high tides and onshore winds.
More than 4,400 homes and businesses are without power due to the storm, according to ESB Networks.
About 1,200 homes and businesses in Carndonagh, Co Donegal, were without power on Saturday morning.
Some 900 properties in Bray, Co Wicklow, and about 700 homes and businesses in Tramore, Co Waterford, were also without electricity.
ESB Networks tweeted: “We have a fault in #kill #tramore #bonmahon and surrounding areas of #cowaterford. We are working to repair as quickly as possible.”
We have a fault in #kill #tramore #bonmahon and surrounding areas of #cowaterford . We are working to repair as quickly as possible. You can log a fault online here: https://t.co/cH3JPqxOb2. Updates on https://t.co/VMtxFrW7FY. Apologies for the inconvenience.
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) October 31, 2020
The Garda is appealing to the public to take care and exercise caution as the storm makes its way across the country.
They have advised people to avoid all unnecessary travel in the counties where orange level wind warnings are in place.
They said these winds will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.
They also appealed to road users to pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris and flooded roads.
The public are also being advised to stay away from coastal areas and cliff walks as high seas and waves will make conditions hazardous.
People have been asked to remove or secure patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings.
