Met Eireann has issued its second highest warning level as Storm Abigail’s fierce winds are expected to lash the country over the next 36 hours.
The national forecaster has in fact issued an Orange warning (its second highest) for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, and two Yellow warnings for counties Roscommon, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
Strong winds between 55-80kph are forecast, with gusts of up to 120kph likely.
The UK will see even more severe weather as Abigail exerts its punishment over Scotland and beyond.
The weather warnings will come into effect at 9am on Thursday morning and remain in effect at least until 6pm on Friday evening.