Nationwide wind warnings are in force this morning as Storm Chandra sweeps over Ireland.
The status yellow warnings came into force at 3am on Tuesday and are set to expire at 11pm. Met Éireann is forecasting powerful gusts of up to 112km/h in parts of the country.
In updated guidance issued on Monday night, Met Éireann said “winds associated with Storm Chandra will be very strong and gusty particularly on coasts and in exposed areas”.
The weather agency has warned of fallen trees and loose debris, wave overtopping in coastal and river areas and hazardous travel conditions.
On Monday meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell said Storm Chandra will bring “heavy spells of rain with strong winds, especially along the coast”.
With more rain falling on already saturated ground and many rivers approaching or exceeding bank-full conditions, Ms Cantwell said localised flooding is expected.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland said in social media posts flooding has been reported on the M50 northbound between junctions 8 and 7.
The UK Met Office said Chandra will bring “very strong winds” to Northern Ireland as it advised the public to expect longer journey times and likely cancellations on road, rail, air and ferry services.
The storm has the potential to damage buildings, with flying roof tiles and other debris posing a danger to life.
It said there is a “good chance that power cuts may occur” which could affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.
Forecasters also warned that some communities may be cut off by flooded roads, with outbreaks of rain spreading across Northern Ireland on Tuesday, potentially even falling as snow for a time on the highest ground.
The UK Met Office said rainfall totals of 20-30mm are “likely fairly widely”, with 50-70 mm possible on high ground especially in eastern areas.
A status yellow warning for rain was in place from midday until midnight on Monday for a region affecting five counties in Northern Ireland but excluding Antrim and those closest to the northern coast in Derry. – Additional reporting: PA