IRELAND has woken up to a nationwide status red weather warning for the first time.
Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, issued its latest warning on Ophelia at 8pm last night.
Ireland's Defence Forces are on standby, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said.
Defence forces being deployed in Red weather alert areas and on standby for further action tomorrow
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) 15 October 2017
The violent storm - the worst to hit the country in 50 years - is passing directly over the island today, bringing its destructive gusts of up to 100km per hour to the Emerald Isle.
All areas are at risk, particularly the south and southwest with eastern counties feeling the brut power of Ophelia this afternoon.
There is also potential risk to life, Met Éireann added, with heavy rain and storm surges causing flooding on coastal areas.
Schools across the country have been closed. Ferries and flights have also been cancelled with passengers being told to check before they travel.
Kerry Airport has closed and 125 flights have been cancelled at Dublin Airport.
Please be advised the airport is now closed due to adverse weather conditions and will reopen in the tomorrow Tue 17th as normal.
— Kerry Airport (@KerryAirport) 16 October 2017
People are being warned to stay indoors as the storm passes by.
