Storm Debi has arrived in Ireland, bringing with it powerful winds and heavy rainfall.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel due to the severe conditions.
Weather forecasts indicate potential disruptions and damage, with various weather warnings issued.
Parts of counties Down and Armagh are under an amber wind warning, while all of Northern Ireland faces a yellow alert for intense rain and wind.
In the Republic of Ireland, a red alert, indicating a life-threatening situation, has been issued for 14 counties.
Currently, around 58,000 homes and businesses in the Republic are without electricity, and this number is expected to increase as the storm intensifies.
Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, has highlighted risks of localized flooding, dangerous driving conditions, and the likelihood of falling trees.
Schools in the Republic’s red alert zones are advised to open later at 10:00 local time.
Northern Ireland’s yellow rain warning will continue until 14:00 GMT, with some regions anticipating as much as 40mm of rain within six hours.
The Met Office anticipates very strong winds across parts of Armagh and Down, with inland gusts reaching 60-65mph and coastal gusts up to 75mph. An amber warning is in effect in these areas from 06:00 to 12:00 as the storm progresses northward.
Recent floods in counties Down, Armagh, and Antrim have raised concerns about further impact from the current storm.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland warns of potential injuries or life-threatening situations due to flying debris and advises against unnecessary travel.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council reports disruptions to its services, including delayed bin collections, closure of recycling centers, public toilets, and parks.
In the Republic of Ireland, the red wind alert signals a severe danger to life, affecting counties including Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, and Roscommon at different times.
Structural damage and significant power outages are expected, along with disruptions at airports and ports.
Dublin Airport has already canceled eight flights, and Irish Rail has imposed speed restrictions nationwide, leading to delays. Dublin bus and Luas tram services are suspended until at least 10:00.
A status orange wind alert remains in effect for 19 counties until 10:00.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group in the Republic of Ireland advises schools and pre-schools in affected counties to stay closed until 10:00 and encourages remote work where possible.
