Storm Hector to hit tonight

Met Éireann has issued two weather warnings ahead of Storm Hector, which is expected to bring gusts of up to 125km/h in parts of the south and northwest.

A Status Orange alert will come into effect for Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo at 9pm with winds of up to 80km/h forecast. The alert will remain in place until 10am.

A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Clare and Kerry where gusts of up to 110km/h are likely.

Hector is also expected to impact heavily on the Midlands, with Cathal Nolan of Midland Weather Channel saying wind speeds of up to 100 -120kph could hit the western part of the region, while gust of 90 - 110kph could hit the east midlands.

"The worst of the winds will occur during the early hours of Thursday morning, between midnight tonight and 9am tomorrow.

"Those of you commuting to work should take extra caution on the roads tomorrow morning," he urged.

"Some disruption is likely in westera areas where winds may well reach as high as 130kph or possibly higher along exposed Western headlands.

The Road Safety Authority has urged motorists to take care during the stormy conditions and to be aware of falling debris.

The Office of Emergency Planning has also asked people to stay away from exposed coasts during the storm