The travel plans of thousands of people across the country may be affected by severe weather conditions on Christmas Eve, according to a warning issued by Met Éireann.
Winds of a cruel 130km/h are expected to hit the country on Christmas Eve, with a ‘vigourous’ storm approaching late tonight.
Met Eireann have issued a national 'orange' alert for Christmas Eve in Munster, Leinster and Connacht, as well as Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan.
The national meteorological service said: "A vigorous Atlantic storm depression is forecast to pass just to the northwest of Ireland overnight on Monday.
"The exact track is still not certain, but it is likely to bring some severe winds in over the country for late Monday night and for a time on Tuesday.
"Blustery southwest winds are expected to gust to between 100km/h and 130km/h.
"The highest gusts, at this stage, are expected in western and northern coastal counties.
"High seas are expected also."
The 'orange' warning is in place from midnight Monday until 4pm on Christmas Eve, and Met Éireann say the winds will die down by Christmas Day.
