The Eye Of The Storm: Ophelia Kills Three People
Three people have been killed in Storm Ophelia as devastating winds whip across Dublin and move further North.
A man in his thirties died in Tipperary after being injured with a chainsaw while trying to clear a fallen tree, while in Dundalk, a man died after a tree fell on his car.
Earlier, a woman in her fifties died in Waterford when a tree fell on her car. Another woman in her seventies, who was a passenger in the car, is in hospital in a serious condition.
All schools will remain closed tomorrow, although the Department of Education admits it will "have a major impact on families and on the workforce", it says the decision was taken "in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned."
Dozens of trees have fallen across Dublin, while Dublin Fire Brigade has been dealing with loose roofing, hanging windows and other dangerous debris.
450 thousand buildings are expected to be without power, and officials say 5-10% of those affected will be left without power for 10 days.
Ophelia is being described as the most severe weather event we've had in over fifty years, and it has left Dublin without any public transport until Tuesday morning.
Zara Larsson has been forced to cancel her sold-out show at The Olympia tonight, and will instead play tomorrow night.
The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland is opening its doors to those in need during Storm Ophelia.
The mosque in Clonskeagh says anyone who needs to can stay in its large events hall over the next 24 hours.
The centre will be providing warm drinks and snacks, and is appealing to those in the immediate area who can drop in sleeping bags or blankets to do so.
Dublin Airport said that 160 flights have been cancelled, and urged passengers to check with their airline before travelling. Click here for the latest updates to departures and arrivals.
Hospital appointments were cancelled today, and the HSE admits that "some disruption is likely over the coming days" due to a number of factors including road conditions, building damage, power outages and disruption to full staffing levels.
The HSE says it expects a "gradual return to normal services over the next few days".
The Road Safety Authority and Gardai are asking people to seriously think about their journey and whether they need to make it.
"Drivers of high sided vehicles are being advised to avoid travel during the height of the winds due to the extreme danger posed by gale force winds."
The Department of Social Protection says it won't be seeing anyone today but that won't have an impact on payments. Driving test centres will be closed.
People with home and comprehensive car insurance are protected against storm damage caused by Ophelia. Destruction caused by falling trees or flying debris and structural damage are all covered. Fingal County Council is issuing sandbags to areas at risk of flooding.