Met Eireann warns of 120km/h winds from Storm Abigail

Met Éireann is warning of severe winds in the North West today.

Forecasters have issued an orange weather alert, the second highest level of warning.

Gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour are expected to hit Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

The worst of the conditions are due to arrive this evening, with the alert remaining in place until 6am tomorrow morning.

Limerick City and County Council is advising the public to exercise extreme caution over the next 24 hours and are advised to remain indoors where possible during the storm and to stay away from rivers and other water bodies.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said a status orange warning means the public must "be prepared".

He told RTE Radio One's Morning Ireland: "This storm will affect coastal Ireland, the inland will be windy but not stormy winds.

"We have issued an orange warning. The yellow means 'be aware', the orange means 'be prepared' and the red is 'take action'.

"Make sure anything you're doing today, be prepared. Especially those who live on the coast, they will have high winds.

Met Éireann forecaster Siobhan Ryan said the winds look like they will peak in the west and north-western counties later in the afternoon and into the evening.

She said: "As they veer west, it will still be very windy overnight. But during the day on Friday, it doesn't ease.

"It will be a blustery day on Friday and there will still be further low-level warnings in place."