A WARNING was issued to 14 counties earlier today, advising people to stay inside as winds of up to 130 km/h were predicted.
Met Éireann predicted counties such as Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, South Galway, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary would be especially affected by the storm, which has been named Eleanor.
The storm is expected to pass quickly through the emerald isle before hitting Britain, where winds can be expected to hit 80mph.
Storm Eleanor wasted no time hitting Ireland, with people sharing pictures of the terrible weather endured outside their homes.
Co. Galway has been hit particularly bad, with entire roads in the city completely flooded and deemed out of use.
The city centre has been hit with strong floods outside shops, pubs and houses and can be seen below.
#Galway city centre has gone under. Avoid. #StormEleanor pic.twitter.com/Of0Xy2h0WS
— MICHAEL SCOTT ▲ (@mick_scott) January 2, 2018
The Galway docks were also overrun by the force of the floods.
#stormeleanor hits galway docks! pic.twitter.com/qDtJM2eHdM
— uoʇɥƃnɐu pınɯɹɐıp (@DN77) January 2, 2018
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Flooding ‘back the West’ in Galway City. #stormeleanor pic.twitter.com/4OBBF7Cb2e
— Enda Cunningham (@endacunningham) January 2, 2018
One driver is going viral for their bravery in speeding through the floods.
Holy sugar. Galway in the grips of #StormEleanor.
This badass mini driver doesn't give a flip about your waves pic.twitter.com/eT3pQLvd2I— Paul O'Donoghue (@paulodonoghue93) January 2, 2018
Residents of the city are being advised to stay indoors and be extra careful to avoid any falling trees or obstacles.
