Updated 12:10
MET ÉIREANN HAS warned people to be careful as storm-force winds and bad flooding batter large parts of the country today.
A national orange alert weather warning has been issued with winds expected to hit up to 130 km/h countrywide.
A perfect storm of conditions mean that high seas, low pressure, and higher than normal tides will put the west coast of the country at risk of flooding.
Parts of Galway have already been badly affected by flooding at high tide this morning, with the promenade at Salthill hit hard. Galway City Council has warned homeowners and businesses not to open doors until flood waters recede.
A Flood Emergency Management Team has been mobilised by the local authority to liaise with the emergency services. A number of roads have already been closed around Galway city and the Council has warned that more roads may have to be closed as the need arises.
Council workers have been putting sandbags in place since yesterday afternoon and have contacted people in the areas most likely to be affected.
Aer Lingus has cancelled seventeen flights out of Dublin Airport this morning due to the adverse weather forecast, with passengers due to fly today urged to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.
People have been warned by the Coast Guard to stay away from the coast, especially if they’re trying to take photographs or video of the high tides and bad weather.
The weather warning is in place until 9pm tonight by which time the winds are expected to have died down.
Originally published 7.57am
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