Met Éireann issue highest possible status red weather warning

Batten down the hatches... seriously.

Met Éireann has issued its highest possible "status red" warning ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Ophelia on Monday. The wind warning was issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry, and those areas look set to receive winds of 130km/h. Met Éireann warned:

"Hurricane Ophelia is expected to transition to a post tropical storm as it approaches our shores on Monday bringing severe winds and stormy conditions. "Mean wind speeds in excess of 80 km/h and gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected, potentially causing structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding."

At the same time, a status orange wind warning has been issued for the rest of the country. Mer Éireann warned:

"Mean wind speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130km/h are expected, however some inland areas may not be quite as severe. "The winds have potential to cause structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding."

The weather warning is valid from 9 am on Monday until 3 am on Tuesday. It is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds with potential flooding in some areas. The storm will be known as an ex-hurricane when it strikes Ireland on Monday morning. AA Ireland is advising homeowners to prepare a home storm kit as the country braces itself for some severe weather when the tail end of Hurricane Ophelia strikes Ireland on Monday.