UPDATE: Storm 'Gertrude' rapidly developing

UPDATE

The previously forecast storm has been upgraded to named status, storm Gertrude, and could reach speeds of up to 130kms across the midlands.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users today to take extreme care when using the roads as Met Éireann has issued an orange weather warning  for strong winds.

Local weather enthusiast Cathal Nolan says the storm will reach its peak between 11pm tonight and 10am tomorrow, Friday.

In exposed areas, the Midland Weather Channel director says that disruption to power and transport services is likely.

"Some minor damage to may occur also.Conditions on all roads are expected to be treacherous, especially in any densely forested areas. Avoid all unnecessary journeys during the course of the period," he stated.

Earlier

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Westmeath.

This also applies Offaly, Laois, Roscommon, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick and Tipperary.

An area of low pressure is currently lying off north west of Scotland.

As this Atlantic storm moves to the north, winds will increase 50 to 65 km/h overnight, and will gust 100 to 110 km/h at times.

Cathal Nolan of the Midland Weather Channell said driving conditions could be particularly dangerous.

"Gusts of 110kms are forecaset across the entire (midland) region. This has the potentially to be a dangerous storm.

"As the soil is saturated, this could see trees felled quite easily and possible power outages.

"Conditions will be at their worst tonight and on into rush hour traffic in the morning. So I would advise anyone travelling to take care, particularly on rural roads which are in wooded areas."

Met Éireann has also issued a status orange warning for counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Longford, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Waterford.