The Minister for Education has confirmed that all schools will remain closed tomorrow.
In a statement from the Department of Education, they have confirmed that schools will remain closed in the interest of child safety.
“Following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow.
“This decision was primarily taken in the interests of child safety and on the basis of information available in what is a developing situation.
“While it is recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others, the information available at this time indicates that over 350,000 businesses and homes are already without power, and severe winds continue to cause damage across the country as the storm progresses.
Scroll down for warnings from county councils around the country.
Meanwhile, three people have now been killed as Storm Ophelia continues to batter the country.
The accidents occurred in Louth, Tipperary and Waterford.
The latest accident happened in Dundalk in Co Louth this afternoon.
A person has been killed after a tree fell on their car in Ravensdale just before three.
Elsewhere in Tipperary, a man in his early 30s was seriously injured by a chainsaw as he was trying to clear a fallen tree in Cahir.
He has since passed away from his injuries and his body has been removed to Clonmel Hospital.
While in Waterford a woman in her 50s was killed when a tree fell on her car close to Aglish village just after half eleven this morning.
A female passenger in her 70s was also hurt – although her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
As the storm continues to batter the country, gardaí are advising people to stay indoors and not to go outside.
Update – 2.55pm:200,000 without power as storm claims second victim
Two people have died in Ireland in incidents related to Storm Ophelia.
A man, aged in his 30s, was killed in a chainsaw accident in Cahir, Co Tipperary when he was trying to clear a tree downed by the violent winds.
Earlier, a woman died when a tree fell on to her car in severe winds.
The Garda said the driver was in her mid 50s and was travelling outside Aglish village in Co Waterford when she was killed.
A female passenger, in her 70s, was also injured and taken to Waterford Regional Hospital for treatment, gardai said. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Gardai have urged all road users to remain indoors and not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Gusts of over 96mph (156kph) have already battered the south west coast of Ireland. In Cork, the roof of Cork City’s football stadium was blown off.
Around 360,000 homes and businesses are now without power and trees and power lines have been blown over as the storm makes its way through the Republic of Ireland up into Northern Ireland.
ESB, the Republic of Ireland’s electricity network, warned that more outages are expected and that repairs will take several days.
Ireland’s National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) on Severe Weather warned that the storm is “unprecedented with serious life- threatening conditions”.
The group added that all unnecessary travel should be avoided.
“Do not be outside during the passing of the storm. The fatality in Waterford emphasises the dangers posed during this period,” NECG added.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged the public to stay safe, saying: “The advice is: stay indoors until the storm passes.
“Whether that is at work, in their home or some other home, stay indoors. Check on neighbours and relatives.
“Bear in mind it is coming your way and it is a national red alert.
“It is a very dangerous storm. The last time there was a storm this severe 11 lives were lost.”
In Cork, a local photographer had a lucky escape after being knocked to the ground when a tree was uprooted by strong winds on Centre Park road.
Earlier: Whole country to be hit by “violent and destructive” winds
A Red Weather Alert has been issued for the whole country as “violent and destructive” winds are expected in every county.
People are urged to keep in mind their personal safety which is of utmost importance as ex-Hurricane Ophelia approaches.
People are urged to stay indoors and not to make unnecessary journeys.
Met Eireann have said that winds will reach their maximum strengths from the following times in the following areas.
- The public are advised to remain indoors from these times.
Ophelia is the most powerful Atlantic storm this far east on record packing “violent, destructive” gusts of over 130 kilometres per hour.
Heavy rain, storm surges and flooding are likely in coastal areas – and the entire country has been placed on the highest state of alert.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged people to stay indoors today.
He said: “Public safety is our key concern today. Advice is to stay at home, no unnecessary travel or other outdoor activities.”
Public safety is our key concern today. Advice is to stay at home, no unnecessary travel or other outdoor activities. Further updates later.
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 16, 2017
The National Emergency Coordination Group has advised people to stay at home, and no unnecessary travel or other outdoor activities should be undertaken.
They said that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities will be closed.
They have also advised people to secure any garden furniture, bins and other outdoor equipment before the storm hits.
The decision was taken following a special meeting of the government task force on emergency planning.
Drivers of high sided vehicles are being advised to avoid travel during the height of the winds tomorrow due to the extreme danger posed by gale force winds.
Irish Defence Forces are on standby to deploy resources, including transport and engineering assets.
Advice from the National Emergency Coordination group and us to prepare for #Ophelia tomorrow @merrionstreet @emergencyIE pic.twitter.com/mjuiwlXNmq
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 15, 2017
Public safety advice
Members of the public are advised to remain indoors for the duration of the storm – and to avoid all unnecessary travel while the storm is passing.
“Very strong winds” are expected to make driving conditions hazardous, especially for vulnerable road users – including cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country.
The public is urged to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds.
People are asked to check in with isolated or vulnerable neighbours ahead of the storm’s arrival – and again once the worst of the weather has passed.
