Severe winds forecast

Met Éireann has issued a national weather warning, with gusts of 90 to 100km/hr expected in Leinster. An orange weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann with extremely windy weather expected today with some severe, possibly damaging gusts. The orange weather warning advises people to be prepared for the adverse weather as they may be significantly impacted. "Strong to gale force westerly winds will produce gusts of 110 to 130 km/h in Connacht and Donegal, while in Munster, Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are expected," the weather warining states. Heavy wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow are expected to develop in the north of the country after dark, but will become more widespread and produce some accumulations of snow, in particular on high ground but also at lower levels. The very strong winds and snow showers will produce some blizzard like conditions especially on higher ground, with icy patches at all levels. The wintry showers will turn to rain showers tomorrow afternoon as temperatures increase.