- Orange wind warning from Tuesday 4pm - 9pm
- Munster, Leinster and south Galway are areas currently under the Status Orange warning
- Nationwide yellow wind warning from Tuesday 4pm - 9pm
- Gardai advise motorists in Status Orange areas to take extra care

A status orange wind warning has been issued for large parts of the country as Ireland prepares for the arrival of Storm Eleanor later today.

The alert, which was updated by Met Eireann this morning at 5am, applies to all of Munster, Leinster and south Galway.

Met Eireann's warning comes into effect at 4pm on Tuesday evening and will remain in place until 9pm that night.

In their updated statement, Met Eireann said: "Storm Eleanor will move in off the Atlantic later this afternoon and will move very quickly across the country this evening. Southwest to west winds of mean speeds 65 to 80 km/h, gusting to 110 to 130 km/h, are expected.

"Very high seas along Atlantic coasts, with a risk of coastal flooding also."

The nationwide Status Yellow wind warning was also updated this morning and extended until Wednesday evening.

It also comes into effect at 4pm Tuesday as west to southwest winds of average speeds of 55 to 65 km/h and gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are expected nationwide.

Even when the storm passes, high winds can be expected across the country well into Wednesday, with the warning running until 9pm on Wednesday.

Met Eireann also warn of damage and coastal flooding being possible in all areas.

The Road Safety Authority have issued a statement advising road users to exercise caution between 4pm and 9pm today because of Storm Eleanor.

The RSA has the following advice for road users:


- Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
- Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
- Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
- Drivers should allow extra space allow between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
- Drive with dipped headlights at all times

And they also had advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists;

- Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
- Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- Gardai have also advised motorists to take extra care due to the Status Orange warning