Met Éireann issues wind and thunderstorm warnings for much of the country as Storm Fergus hits

Waves crash over Fenit Pier as people and Cars stay away from Fenit Pier in Fenit Co Kerry on Sunday .

Met Éireann has issued four weather warnings for most of the country with Storm Fergus set to bring "strong and gusty" winds on Sunday.

The warnings follow Storm Elin, which made landfall on Saturday, bringing gusts of up to 100km/hr as it moves downwards across the country.

Storm Fergus hit the country Sunday, beginning with a status orange wind warning for Clare, Galway and Mayo which came into place at 3pm. It remained until 8pm, causing "very strong onshore winds" coupled with high waves and high tides.

The forecaster predicted wind speeds of up to 80-85 km/hr and "squally gusts" expected.

Met Éireann has warned of localised coastal flooding and wave overtopping in those areas.

Storm Fergus, the second named storm of the weekend, has also brought yellow warnings for wind in counties Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo.

Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD .

For both status yellow warnings, Met Éireann has said Storm Fergus "will generate very strong and gusty southwesterly winds, veering westerly".

It has warned against "wave overtopping" and "difficult travelling conditions" while the warnings are in place.

Met Éireann meteorologist Michelle Dillon said: “Strong to gale force south-west winds veering westerly will be developing through Sunday afternoon, evening and early Sunday night as Storm Fergus tracks eastwards across the country.

“Storm surge will lead to high seas and along with the stormy conditions there’s the possibility of coastal flooding along parts of the west coast, particularly at high tide.”

With the warnings being issued, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to exercise caution if they are travelling. 

"Road users in areas affected by the orange warning are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey," said a statement. 

Drivers are being told to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.

"This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning."

Pedestrians have been reminded to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike.