Updated 11.48pm

THERE WILL BE significant travel disruptions throughout the day tomorrow as Ireland braces itself for the arrival of ex-Hurricane Ophelia.

Met Éireann has issued a status red weather warning for the entire country.

According to the weather service’s latest statement (issued at 8pm), violent and destructive gusts are expected.

The southwest and south are at particular risk in the morning, while eastern counties are in more danger in the afternoon. Because of heavy rain and storm surges, flooding is expected in coastal counties.

To highlight the seriousness of the situation, the meteorologists have said there is a “potential risk to lives”.

As a result, people across the country are being told to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary.

The National Emergency Coordination Group has issued the following notices.

• All schools, colleges and childcare facilities will be closed.
• People are advised to stay at home.
• No unnecessary travel or other outdoor activities should be undertaken.
• People should secure any garden furniture, bins and other outdoor equipment before the storm hits.

Many government agencies and departments will be closed for the day.

• See here for more details.

Here’s the latest travel advice for road, rail, sea and air.

Roads 

Bus Éireann has cancelled ALL services from 5am to 2pm.

(You can visit Bus Éireann’s website for the most up-to-date information)

Dublin Bus will operate as normal for peak times tomorrow but expects severe disruption between 9am and 6pm – which may involve no service at all on some routes.

The Road Safety Authority said that people should avoid any non-essential travel. There should be no cycling anywhere in the country.

People in coastal areas are being warned of potential flooding risk and to remain vigilant. All driving tests are cancelled.

Gardaí also issued safety guidelines, advising people who significant damage was expected and that people should avoid making any journeys.

Rail

As of now, all Irish Rail services are expected to operate as normal tomorrow morning.

Any changes to this will be posted on the Irish Rail website.

Flights 

Cork Airport has said that cancellations are likely tomorrow and that people should avoid travelling to the airport unless absolutely necessary.

A number of Aer Lingus flights leaving Cork Airport have been cancelled.

Dublin and Shannon Airports are both advising passengers to check with their airline for the latest flight information before travelling to the airport.

Meanwhile, the Donegal Democrat reports that all flights leaving Donegal Airport have been cancelled with the exception of one.

Sea

Some of the ferry services from Ros an Mhíl in Galway to the Aran Islands have been cancelled tomorrow as a result of the storm.

Other ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead have also been disrupted.

Stena Line said it was expecting “some disruptions” to its services on Monday. It has cancelled the following services.

Irish Ferries has cancelled ferries between Dublin and Holyhead tomorrow. The 10.45 leaving Dublin has been cancelled as has the 2.30pm.

The later 8.55pm ferry is listed as “in doubt”. Ferries coming from Holyhead have also been cancelled.

Read: Status red warning issued for 8 counties as Ireland braces itself for Hurricane Ophelia’s arrival