Storm Eunice is continuing to make its way across Ireland, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.
There are now around 80,000 homes without power as ESB workers scramble to resolve issues for customers across the country.
Schools in nine counties were ordered to remain shut today as weather experts put the highest level warnings in place, citing a risk to life amid gusty conditions.
Some counties have so far reported top wind speeds of 137kmh, while others have remained settled so far.
Weather experts have warned that the storm will hit most areas before the afternoon is out, and has warned those in calmer areas to expect a swift change in conditions.
While this weekend is due to be grim enough, schools will likely resume normal hours on Monday, when weather forecasters predict a return of "bright and breezy" weather.
The Department of Education released a statement on Thursday saying: “Due to the extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events as confirmed by Met Éireann, the Department of Education is advising that schools in counties where Status Red wind warnings are in place and in counties where Status Orange snow warnings are in place should not open tomorrow 18 February.
“This now includes Clare and Waterford who have been issued with Status Red wind warnings.
“All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.”
At this point, the only remaining warnings in place are status yellow for snow, ice, and wind and they apply to the entire country.
The entire country remains under the snow and ice warning until 10am on Saturday, as the forecaster expects “falls of sleet and snow on Friday and Saturday with accumulations in some areas and icy stretches leading to hazardous driving conditions.
A wind warning was also updated this morning and will remain in place until 6pm this evening nationwide.
According to Met Eireann, northwest winds backing westerly will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h with gusts of up to 110km/h expected.
There is still a risk of flooding in coastal areas.
On Monday, however, it will be a bright and breezy start with sunshine and some showers, mainly in the northwest.
Clouds will roll in from the west through the afternoon with outbreaks of rain arriving on Atlantic coasts by the evening.
Fresh and gusty westerly winds will veer northwesterly and moderate through the day, and afternoon temperatures will range from 7 to 10 degrees.
These outbreaks of rain will spread countrywide overnight in fresh and gusty southwest winds.
Conditions for the week ahead will be “unsettled with further spells of rain and blustery conditions expected through the end of the week.”
