The Irish Coast Guard has issued a warning ahead of Storm Barbara

This follows warnings from The Road Safety Authority and Met Éireann.

As Storm Barbara heads our way the Irish Coast Guard has issued a warning to the public to be extra careful if people are considering entering the water or planning any seaside activities. According to The Independent, they have released the following statement:

"Storm Barbara, which will give rise to stormy conditions, is forecasted to blow through today and there is a risk of some stormy weather returning on Christmas Day. "The Coast Guard is requesting members of the public planning on engaging in any coastal activities to first check that it is safe to do and to be mindful of the risks and life threatening dangers that can arise without warning. "Many people will be engaging in outdoor activities along the coastline, be it on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or other coastal areas. "The simple safety message is; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Two weather warnings from Met Éireann remain in place today with high winds expected in coastal and high ground of Donegal, Galway and Mayo. They are forecasting very strong wings with gusts of 65 to 75 km/h and 100 and 120 km/h expected. A status yellow warning is also in place for the whole country, with gusts of 50 to 65 km/h and 90 and 110 km/h expected.