The Department of Education has advised schools in seven counties to close on Friday due to Storm Eunice.
The affected counties are Cork, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.
Storm Eunice is the second storm to hit Ireland in as many days, and is due to bring strong winds, significant snow and heavy rain.
A spokesperson explained: “Due to the extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events as confirmed by Met Eireann, 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.
“Remote teaching and learning should commence where possible, in line with schools’ remote teaching and learning plans.
“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.”
Follow our Storm Eunice live blog for the latest updates.
A Status Red alert has been issued by Met Eireann relating to severe wind for Cork and Kerry.
A Status Orange snow warning has also been issued for counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.
Giving an update on the expected conditions, the Department of Education continued: “Met Eireann has advised that this is a multi-hazard event with wind and heavy snow. Storm Eunice will bring heavy sleet and snow leading to blizzard-like conditions in parts with treacherous driving conditions.
“The storm is expected to impact most during school commuting hours and this will make journeys to school extremely hazardous in the morning in those areas.
“All other counties may open schools, subject to local conditions.”
Met Eireann weather warnings for Storm Eunice
- Status Red Storm Warning for Cork and Kerry
Valid Friday 3am until 8am
Met Eireann says: “Storm Eunice will track quickly over Ireland tonight and Friday morning bringing severe and damaging winds. Southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with gusts in excess of 130 km/h. Some coastal flooding, especially at high tide.”
- Status Orange Storm Warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Galway, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford
Valid Friday 3am until 11am
Met Eireann says: “Storm Eunice will track quickly over Ireland tonight and Friday morning bringing severe and damaging winds for a time. Southwest or cyclonic winds becoming northwest will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts up to 130 km/h. Some coastal flooding, especially at high tide.”
- Status Orange Snow Warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon
Valid Friday 3am until 3pm
Met Eireann says: “Storm Eunice will bring heavy sleet and snow leading to blizzard-like conditions in parts with treacherous driving conditions.”
- Status Yellow Wind, Rain and Snow Warning for entire country
Valid Friday 1am until 3pm
Met Eireann says: “Storm Eunice will track over Ireland on Thursday night and on Friday bringing very strong winds and falls of heavy rain, sleet and snow. Some disruption is likely along with a possibility of coastal and spot flooding.”
