Yesterday, Met Éireann issued a orange weather alert for the West and that has now been extended to cover the whole country. The storm is set to begin tonight with the worst of the weather expected to hit around 3am. Information on the Met Éireann website warns: Tonight, winds will strengthen gradually and it will become extremely windy or even stormy in places by the end of the night, especially in southern and western areas, with severe and damaging gusts and a risk of coastal flooding. It will be a very cold night, with clear spells and showers, some of hail and sleet. Some snow showers are possible also, mainly over high ground and there is also a risk of thunder. Lowest temperatures minus 2 to plus 2 Celsius, with a risk of frost and icy patches. Rain, rain and more rain predicted for the weekend... An orange weather warning is for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas. Damage can include dislodged roof slates, widespread dangerous debris and interruptions to power supplies. Gale force winds of up to 130km/h are predicted and high tides will put Atlantic coasts at risk of flooding. Driving conditions are likely to be hazardous due to the predicted frost and icy patches. So be sure to take care when out and about, folks.