Nation braces for total shutdown as red weather warning issued for entire country

The country is facing total shutdown from 4pm today with people ordered to stay indoors, schools and colleges closed, rail and bus services halted, and motorists warned it would be “suicidal” to take to the roads.

The warning was issued as it was confirmed the “Beast From The East” and Storm Emma will clash directly over Ireland today. The Government said between 22cm and 28cm of snow will fall by tomorrow afternoon.

People in Cork City, which will be among the first areas hit by the storm, face a further hazard as they brace for high tides and flooding.