A lorry driver has been killed in the UK after being blown off the top of an HGV as officials warn of dangerous conditions set to bash Ireland.
The man in his sixties died after falling 12 feet from a truck in Marston Green near Solihull, West Midlands, at around 9pm on Wednesday.
Strong winds caused by Storm Dudley are believed to have caused the man to lose his balance while unloading the lorry.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We attended an industrial unit in Marston Green, Solihull after a man fell from a lorry just before 9.30pm last night.
“A man in his 60s was attended to by paramedics at the scene, but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
“The Health and Safety Executive was informed and it is believed to be an industrial accident.
“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends.”
The news comes as Met Eireann extended its red weather warning to two more counties, Waterford and Clare, with Storm Eunice just hours away.
A Status Red Wind warning will come into effect from 3am Friday until 8am for Cork, Kerry and Clare as Storm Eunice tracks 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 above 130 km/h and some coastal flooding expected, especially at high tide.
A Status Red Wind warning for Waterford will last from 7am until 11am Friday, while Met Eireann has given a status Orange Wind warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster and Galway, which will last from 3am until 11am Friday.
The storm is also expected to bring snow with an orange snow warning in place for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon from 3am to 3pm, while the rest of the country remains under a Yellow Wind, Rain and snow warning.
The Department of Education has confirmed that schools in counties under Status Red wind warnings and Orange snow warnings are to close on Friday, while those in other counties will be told they can open subject to local conditions.
People in Cork and Kerry are advised to stay indoors for the storm's duration.
