Sunrise in Cldcastle. Photo: Roisin Smyth

Strong winds, hail and sleet as status 'yellow' remains in place

A status 'Yellow' wind and rain warning remains in place today for the entire country as the effects of Storm Barra continue.

It stays in place until 6pm this evening (Wednesday), December 8.

Mean average wind speeds of 50 to 65 km/h are being reported with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h with localised stronger winds likely.

Heavy rain will also bring risks of surface flooding and, due to a combination of high waves, storm surge and high tide, coastal flooding is expected.

Again Met Éireann warns: 'Disruption to power and travel are likely.'

Continuing windy this morning, especially in the northwest, where northwest winds will continue very strong and gusty. Winds will gradually ease over Munster and south Connacht this morning and over the rest of the country this afternoon and evening. Sunny spells and showers of rain, sleet or hail, heaviest in Ulster, north Leinster and Munster. Cold with highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.

Any lingering rain will soon clear the northeast tonight. Generally dry, calm and clear for a time with some frost and possible ice. Later tonight, outbreaks of rain will move in from the west, along with low cloud, hill and coastal fog. Lowest 0 to 3 degrees Celsius,

Overall cloudy to begin on Thursday with scattered outbreaks of rain, and moderate southerly winds. A clearance to sunny spells and scattered blustery showers will follow into the afternoon with freshening westerly winds. Highest temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees Celsius.

Thursday night will be cold with showers across Atlantic counties, some of hail with sleet on high ground. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, in a rather brisk westerly wind.

Friday is forecast to be another cold day with sunny spells and showers of rain or hail, mainly affecting western and northern coastal areas. Afternoon temperatures of 5 to 8 degrees with an added wind chill factor, owing to a moderate to fresh northwest wind.

Patchy outbreaks of rain will feed in across the country overnight on Friday, in a mostly moderate southerly breeze. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius.

Saturday will bring widespread falls of rain, which will move in across the country with low cloud, hill and coastal fog. Temperatures in the afternoon will range 9 to 12 degrees Celsius, in a mostly moderate southwesterly wind.

Sunday is expected to be a cloudy day with outbreaks of rain and strengthening southerly winds. Afternoon temperatures will range 10 to 13 degrees Celsius.