Lock up and batten down: Red weather alert issued as Ellen roars into town

People have been warned to stay away from coasts as  Storm Ellen arrives later today.

Kilkenny remains under Status Yellow Wind Warning which comes into effect from 9pm tonight and will last until midnight on Thursday.

A red weather alert has been issued for Cork while Waterford has been included in a new nationwide Status Orange Wind Warning.

Met Éireann warned it will become very windy continuing throughout the day tomorrow.

Severe gusts are likely, with a combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds giving rise to potential coastal flooding.

The weather warnings follow several days of unseasonably wet and windy weather, with many counties already experiencing rainfall warnings.