Storm Emma is expected to hit Ireland hard.

Also referred to as Beast from the East, extreme weather conditions are likely to impact people countrywide as the week goes on. If a red weather warning is put in place for one part of the country, it's thought that schools within that area will close. Although no official announcement has been made thus far, Minister for Housing and Local Government Eoghan Murphy led a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group today and said things were being kept "under review". The committee is to meet again tomorrow and according to reports, an update will be given then.

National Emergency Coordination Group briefing on severe weather impacts over coming days. Key priority on keeping national routes open and ensuring Community Resilience across the Country. Now is the time to prepare, check on vulnerable & check advice at https://t.co/9VvHvmooG8 pic.twitter.com/WlXjuGFSOG

— OEP (@emergencyIE) February 26, 2018

According to Independent.ie, emergency plans have been put in place in the event of school closures Thursday and Friday. In October last year, schools nationwide closed for two days on account of Storm Ophelia and it's likely that the same measures could be taken in the coming days. Early reports suggest that the east of the country will be impacted heavily but this is subject to change. Frequent snow showers are likely across Leinster, east Ulster and southeast Munster tonight and tomorrow although there "will be a good deal of dry weather elsewhere". From Wednesday on, snow showers are expected to become heavier and more frequent. Met Éireann have advised that people regularly check in for updates as the situation is being closely monitored.

Ok so y'all remember when I tweeted that picture of the reddest chart I'd ever seen in work? And everyone lost their minds? Well... #cold #snow #weather Watch out for those in need; #elderly #Homeless #AnimalWelfare pic.twitter.com/uYs6ET15m2

— Joanna Donnelly (@JoannaDonnellyL) February 25, 2018