Met Éireann has issued an Orange wind warning for parts of the west and north tomorrow as strong winds associated with Storm Ciara are forecast to continue into tomorrow.
Very strong westerly winds are forecast in coastal areas with mean speeds of 65-80km/h and gusts generally between 110 and 130km/h will affect Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry.
The warning said that a combination of spring tides and high seas would result in a significant risk of coastal flooding.
It is valid from 6am until 8pm tomorrow.
A yellow wind warning is already in effect for the entire country from now until 8pm tomorrow.
Very strong west to southwest winds are expected with mean speeds of 50-65km/h and gusts generally of 90-110km/h, higher in Atlantic coastal areas.
A status yellow snow/ice warning has also been issued for tomorrow and Tuesday.
Met Éireann is warning of accumulations of snow, especially in the west and north, with some disruption to travel possible, particularly over higher routes.
This alert will be in place for 48 hours from midnight tonight.
Just under 3,000 homes and businesses are without power and many roads are flooded as a result of Storm Ciara.
ESB Networks says there are small pockets of outages across the country and that all power should be restored tonight.
AA Roadwatch says there is flooding and fallen trees on a number of roads nationwide.
The worst affected routes include:
- Kenmare/Clonkeen Rd (R569) outside Clonkeen in Co Kerry
- N85 between Ennis and Ennistymon north of Inagh in Co Clare
- The N80 is closed in Mountmellick
Severe flooding has also been reported on roads in Geevagh and Riverstown in Co Sligo.
But flooding has subsided on the N80 through Portlaoise in Co Laois and the road is fully accessible to traffic having been impassable earlier.
The promenade in Tramore, Co Waterford is closed due to high winds.
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Yellow wind and rain warnings from the Met Office are in effect in Northern Ireland.
Kilbarrack firefighters have assisted with flooding near Sutton that coincided with the highest astronomical tide (HAT) #StormCiara #StormCíara pic.twitter.com/xNlxMscTqp
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 9, 2020
A number of flights have been cancelled to and from Dublin and Shannon airports due to Storm Ciara.
The airport operators say weather conditions may also result in some flight delays and are advising passengers to check the latest information with their airline before coming to the airports.
Stena Line cancelled two sailings this morning from Dublin to Holyhead as well as its sailings from Rosslare to Fishguard today.
Severe flooding in Sligo County particularly in Ballymote and surrounding area.Ballymote crew dealing with incidents throughout the night and early morning. Ensure to heed travel advice given on social media from Sligo County Council Facebook and Twitter pages. pic.twitter.com/ooa7u4ftoL
— Sligo Fire Service (@FireSligo) February 9, 2020
A number of sports fixtures, including racing at Punchestown have been cancelled because of the bad weather.
People are being advised to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs, piers, promenades and harbours.
The Road Safety Authority is asking road users to exercise extreme caution while using the roads due to weather conditions.
Dublin Fire Brigade said a person was hit by a falling tree in Crumlin in Dublin last night and was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Read more:
BA flight breaks transatlantic record - thanks to Storm Ciara
As well as Ireland, Storm Ciara has also hit the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland.
Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn has cancelled long-distance train services in many parts of the north west. It said cancellations would be extended to the rest of the country.
"Since there have already been disruptions caused by the cyclone, we are temporarily halting long-distance travel in large parts of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen with immediate effect," Deutsche Bahn said on its website.
The UK's Met Office said it could be the strongest storm to hit the country for seven years.
Rail companies in England, Scotland and Wales have urged passengers not to travel.
Drivers were warned they face treacherous conditions with reports of fallen trees and other debris blocking roads.
Dozens of domestic and international flights have been cancelled.
