Forecasters have warned of "extreme winds" with "severe and damaging gusts" as Storm Brendan is set to lash the country today.
An Orange weather warning is in place for Connacht, Kerry and Donegal this morning with a further Orange wind warning for the rest of the country to come into effect at 8am today.
Met Eireann said: "Storm Brendan will bring extreme winds and heavy rain today. Status Orange weather warnings in force for all counties with status Red warnings in operation for marine areas.
"Winds may reach stronger levels locally and for limited time periods. Gale force southerly winds will extend countrywide during the morning, with severe and damaging gusts."
And weather chiefs warned there is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and a storm surge.
Winds will reach 130kmh in some areas, accompanied by heavy rain, thunder and wintry showers.
The Connacht, Kerry and Donegal warning came into effect at 5am today and will be in place until 9pm this evening.
Winds in these areas are expected to reach mean speeds of 50kmh to 70kmh and gusts of 100kmh to 120kmh and may be higher in exposed areas.
A wind warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford comes into effect at 8am this morning until 3pm.
And a Status Red marine warning with gale force southerly winds are set to develop this morning on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea.
A Met Eireann spokesman said: “Storm Brendan will bring very windy or stormy conditions as the morning unfolds, with heavy – possibly thundery and squally – rain extending eastwards over the country, with spot flooding likely.
“Clearer intervals and showers, some heavy with a risk of hail and thunder, will follow from the west later.
“Strong to gale-force and gusty southerly winds will develop in all areas for a time during the day, with severe and damaging gusts, especially in Atlantic and southern coastal areas.
Winds will veer south-westerly as the heavy rain clears, gradually easing, except in parts of the west and north-west, where gale-force winds and the risk of severe gusts will continue.”
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management said in a statement it has
been in “continuous contact with Met Eireann regarding Storm Brendan” as preparations began yesterday evening.
It added: “Local authorities have activated their local co-ordination and crisis management arrangements to prepare for the arrival of Storm Brendan.
“Local authorities are advising coastal communities there is a significant risk of coastal flooding from early morning.
“The Irish Coast Guard and An Garda Siochana are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Eireann.
“All road users should be aware road conditions will be hazardous throughout the country tomorrow and motorists should slow down and exercise extreme caution.
“People are advised to stay away from exposed coastal areas for the duration of Storm Brendan.”
