STORM ALERT: Eleanor's path to pass through midlands this evening

A status orange national weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann for this evening's Storm Eleanor, which will move in off the Atlantic later this afternoon, and will move very quickly across the country this evening.

Southwest to west winds of mean speeds 65 to 80 km/h, gusting to 110 to 130 km/h, are expected. 

Met Éireann say very high seas along Atlantic coasts, with a risk of coastal flooding, is possible also.

Some local gusts to 130 km/hr could produce tree damage or scattered power outages. Heavy rain could make for very dangerous driving conditions.

It will remain very windy tonight with squally showers throughout. There may be hail and thunder in places.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, it is to stay windy with showers for much of the day. Strong and gusty westerly winds will be up to gale force and squally in Atlantic coastal fringes where seas will remain very high. Many showers heavy and some with hail and thunder. Top temperatures 7 to 10 degrees Celsius.