Status Red Weather Warning - Danger To Life And Property

Met Eireann has issued a Status Red weather warning for all of Ireland, warning of a danger to life and property.

Ex-Hurricane Ophelia made landfall in Counties Cork and Kerry earlier this morning and is currently traveling up the west coast.

People are advised to remain indoors from the following times:

From 07:00: coastal areas of Counties Cork and Kerry

From 09:00: Remaining parts of Munster

From 12:00: South Leinster and Galway

From 13:00 Dublin and remaining Leinster

From 15:00 North Connacht and Ulster

The public is urged to only make essential journeys and to otherwise remain inside.

Heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding.

Gardaí issued the following advice:

• People living in areas where a Red level weather warning has been issued should not make any non-essential journeys. There should be no cycling in RED zones and avoid where necessary elsewhere.

• Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists should also be aware of the extreme danger posed by gale force winds as they are particularly vulnerable.

• People living in coastal areas are also being warned of the risk posed by flooding from storm surge and the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas.

• It is envisaged that there will be significant damage caused by winds, especially in the nature of fallen trees and downed power wires. Please assume that any fallen wires are live and do not approach or touch the wires. Please report any fallen wires to the emergency services.

• Please listen to local media/social media for updates on the progress of the storm and associated warnings and/or advice issued by the emergency services. Please heed this advice.

The warnings are in place from 09:00, Monday 16 October to 03:00, Tuesday 17 October 2017.

(MH/LM)