Storm Bella will bring severe gales and heavy rain to Ireland on St Stephen's Day, forecasters have warned.
Met Eireann issued a country-wide status yellow wind and rain warning, in force until 4am on Sunday.
Winds of up to 110km/h are forecast as the storm tracks over Ireland during the afternoon and tonight.
The combination of strong winds, high waves and a forecasted storm surge means is a risk of coastal flooding along the west coast.
A Status Yellow wind warning comes into effect from 3pm today and lasts until 4am tomorrow.
A separate Status Yellow rain warning will be in place from 3pm until 4am on Sunday.
Heavy rain will move southwards over Ireland with localised flooding possible in some areas
Large parts of Northern Ireland are facing a yellow warning of rain and wind from lunchtime today through to the evening, with conditions potentially disrupting travel.
Clear spells and scattered wintry showers are set to extend across the country before dawn on Sunday, with some ice forming in sheltered areas.
Today will be a cold and blustery day with bright spells and scattered showers – some of which will be wintry in nature.
More snow could be on the way as Ireland is set to be battered by winds of up to 110km/h in the coming days.
Expert Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather explained that any outdoor plans on St Stephen's Day should be moved to the morning as awful conditions move in later.
He wrote on Facebook: "Reminder that Storm Bella is coming tomorrow. If you have outdoor plans for tomorrow then move them to morning as it will turn very wet and windy later in the day with risk of damaging gusts along West coast.
"Sunday will see a risk of sleet and possibly snow falling with strong winds again Sunday night along the West coast."
Meanwhile conditions are set to turn colder next week with hail and even wintry showers possible on higher ground.
