Met Eireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for Cork as Storm Ellen hits Ireland.
The alert, the highest the national forecaster can give, is valid from 9pm until midnight.
The brutal storm is expected to produce a "core of very severe and destructive winds."
Meanwhile, a Status Orange caution is in place for the rest if Munster, as well as Galway and Mayo, while a Yellow warning is in place nationwide.
Met Eireann had previously said more warnings could be issued if conditions worsen throughout the day.
Speaking earlier, Head of forecasting Evelyn Cusack said: "Ellen is forecast to move over the southwest of Ireland Wednesday evening, tracking northwards over the country during Wednesday night and daytime Thursday.
"Gusts generally of 80 to 100km/h can be expected and potentially gusts may exceed 130km/h in some exposed coastal and mountain locations and some lower locations due to funnelling effects...With trees in full leaf and peak numbers on holidays in Ireland, impacts could be significant with damaging winds, heavy rain, and large waves along the coast.
"Strong winds overland, high, potentially dangerous, waves can occur on lakes as well as along coasts and over high ground...Extreme caution is advised."
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