Holiday goers and campers urged to find other accommodation as Storm Ellen brings 130km gusts

Storm Ellen will wreak havoc across Ireland tonight with gusts of up to 130kmh battering the nation.

While the brunt of the storm was felt in Cork, Met Eireann has warned dangerous conditions are possible anywhere in the country today.

A Status Red alert is in place in Cork as the storm tore through while Orange and Yellow warnings were in place for the rest of Ireland.

Head of forecasting at Met Eireann Evelyn Cusack said the country has experienced very unseasonable wet and windy weather for the last few days.

She added: “We’ve upgraded the Orange warning for Co Cork to Status Red for a strong core of severe and damaging winds.”

Local flooding of the river Lee on Morrisons Quay ahead of the arrival of Storm Ellen (Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision)

The storm made landfall off the Cork/Kerry coast around 9pm last night before heading up the country.

Meanwhile, people holidaying or living on campsites and caravan parks were warned to seek alternative accommodation.

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said: “Met Eireann have issued a status red severe wind warning for Cork.

“People should take Storm Ellen seriously - if you’re in a campsite or caravan park, go home or prepare appropriately.

“Listen to warnings and alerts on the media and from local authorities.”

A couple taking pictures of the swell on the rocks near Westport Mayo (Paul Mealey)

The Road Safety Authority has also appealed to road users to exercise caution over the next few days.

A spokesman said: “This is an exceptional storm for August – people should take account of any Met Éireann weather warnings affecting their location.”

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien added: “Many people are away on holidays in coastal counties at this time.

“They might not be familiar with the area and need to stay back from the coast so that they can remain safe.”

And looking to the rest of the week, it isn’t forecast to get much better. Wet and windy weather is expected until Monday at the very earliest. Tonight will be windy with more rain moving in overnight.

The weather chiefs said: “A further spell of wet and windy weather will move into Atlantic coastal counties early in the night, extending across the country overnight with further heavy and possibly thundery bursts.

“Lowest temperatures of 11C to 14C in fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds with near gale or gale force winds near coasts.”