People have been warned not to be “fooled by current conditions” as Storm Eunice is due to ramp up this morning.
While several counties may be experiencing calmer weather at the moment, as the day unfolds violent winds are still expected.
The eye of the storm will be making its way over Ireland over the coming hours, and so schools across seven counties have been instructed to remain shut until Monday.
Carlow weather’s Alan O’Reilly took to Twitter this morning and wrote: “Expect the winds to quickly increase now in the Southwest as centre of #StormEunice moves trough.
“You can see the isobars on the latest pressure chart and why it has been so calm for many in the last hour.
“Don’t be fooled, the winds will increase.”
According to readings at the Fastnet Lighthouse this morning, wind speeds have shot up to 154kmh.
In another post on social media, O’Reilly explained: “154kmh gusts now at Fastnet Lighthouse.
“Remember this station is offshore and very high but the sudden increase here shows the power of Storm Eunice."
Met Eireann’s latest weather warnings include the existing status yellow snow and ice warning in place for Ireland being extended until 10:00 am on Saturday.
Falls of sleet and snow are still expected in many areas, with accumulations on higher ground and icy stretches leading to hazardous driving conditions.
Elsewhere, a Status Orange wind warning is in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laoise, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster and Galway.
Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon should expect "blizzard-like conditions" and treacherous driving conditions as a Status Orange snow warning has been in place since 3:00 am this morning - valid until 3:00 pm.
Status red wind warnings also remain in place for Cork, Kerry, Clare and Waterford as gusts of up to 130km/h are expected along with some coastal flooding.
