Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange Wind Warning for Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Limerick as a maelstrom of savage winds swirling inside Storm Barney are set to lash the country this afternoon.
Mean wind speeds of 55-65km/h are likely, with gusts upwards of 90-100km/h possible.
The storm system will slam headlong into the West Coast of Ireland in the next few fours, possibly disrupting inbound and outbound flights and likely affecting other transport hubs.
Barney’s wrath will steadily increase throughout the afternoon and early evening, hitting Co. Clare particularly badly.
People are advised to stay away from exposed coastal areas and water bodies, and remain indoors if at all possible until the storm moves away.