Met Eireann forecasts high winds for next two days

Gale force winds are set to continue over the next 48 hours with Met Éireann forecasting heavy, thundery downpours of rain and hail.

KILDARE: Heavy sleet showers in Kildare, take care on the roads. http://t.co/nqdTLmlPQj

— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 26, 2014

An orange weather alert is in place for Atlantic coastal counties.

Weather Warning: extremely windy & blustery conditions in Donegal/ Galway Leitrim/ Mayo/ Sligo/Clare/Kerry & Limerick.
Possible flooding

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 26, 2014

A status yellow wind warning remains for the east of the country and counties Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Cork, Tipperary, and Waterford.

OFFALY: Gardai are advising care on all routes around Tullamore following recent hail showers. http://t.co/nqdTLmlPQj

— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 26, 2014

Forecaster Siobhan Ryan says high winds are here to stay.

ESB networks is working to restore power to around 800 homes across the country with parts of the west worst affected.