Calm before the storm

Sunny spells and scattered showers with a fresh westerly wind today, ahead of 'danger to life' red warning beginning at 6am for Cavan tomorrow.

The entire country is operating under a status red wind and "danger to life" warning tomorrow (Friday).

Storm Éowyn is expected to bring "gale to storm force" southerly winds becoming westerly with "extreme, damaging and destructive gusts" in excess of 130km/h.

Met Éireann have said the storm is expected to pose a "danger to life" and warned against extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions, disruption and cancellations to transport and many fallen trees.

Meanwhile they say "significant and widespread" power outages are expected with impacts to communications networks.

Cancellations of events are expected across the country, with the threat of structural damage, wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána warned memebrs of the public that a Status Red severe weather warning means "shelter in place."

"People in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties," a garda spokesperson said.

An Garda Síochána and their colleagues in the other blue light emergency services will be on duty, however "depending on local weather conditions" they warn that they may not be in a position to respond to help during the height of Storm Éowyn.

"Do not put yourself or members of the emergency services at risk during this period," the spokesperson warned.

"Today is the time to be a community, to check on isolated and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.

"Please ensure that they are aware of and prepared for this storm event."

People in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.

Today (Thursday) any rain will clear to sunny spells and scattered showers with a fresh westerly wind easing later, with highest temperatures 6 to 8 degrees.

Tonight strengthening southeasterly winds associated with Storm Éowyn are expected to bring heavy, persistent and widespread rain, turning to sleet and snow for a time.

Through the night the winds will continue to strengthen as they veer to southwesterly by morning.

Impacts will be severe with power outages and significant disruption due to falling trees and structural damage. Lowest temperatures of zero to 1 degrees.

While the storm will blow across the entire country, the red warning comes into effect at varying times. For Cavan and Monaghan, the status red warning in valid from 6am tomorrow until 11am. This will also be the case for counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary.

In Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, the red warning will come into effect at an earlier time of 4am and will last until midday tomorrow.

For Donegal, the warning is valid from 7am tomorrow until 2pm in the afternoon.

For those in Clare and Galway, the warning is valid from 3am until 11pm, while Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford will experience a red warning from 2am until 10pm.