A weather warning has been issued with high winds expected to batter the west and north-west this evening.
Forecasters said strong to gale force southerly winds will gust at 100 to 130km/hr. Winds will be strongest after dark this evening along parts of the north-west and west coasts with Donegal expected to be one of the worst affected areas, they said.
Met Éireann said that winds will reach storm force 10 at times on coasts from Slyne Head in Galway to Erris Head in Mayo and Malin Head, north Donegal.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) urged people to make necessary journeys as early as possible to avoid being caught in the storm.
"The RSA are appealing to people to check in with older relatives and neighbours ahead of the stormy weather promised so as to avoid making trips during the stormy and wet conditions," a spokesman said.
The Irish Coast Guard also urged people are being told not go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, or beaches during the inclement weather as high seas can pose a hazard.
Declan Geoghegan, Irish Coast Guard manager, also warned people not to attempt to cross fast running rivers or floods as they may be stronger and deeper than you think.
“Flooded urban areas can contain hazards such as submerged manholes and downed power lines,” he said.
“The combination of tides, gale warnings, high sea conditions and swollen rivers may result in very dangerous conditions.”
PA