Coast Guard warns public: Stay away from shorelines

And another one......the power of mother nature!! pic.twitter.com/EKZyRhVmGe

— Pat O'Shaughnessy (@poshock75) January 5, 2014

Met Éireann has issued an orange weather warning for counties Wexford, Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.

Winds will strengthen again tonight with gale force south to southwest winds developing, giving gusts of 100-120km/h, highest in the exposed coastal areas.

Lots of planes having difficulty landing in Dublin tonight. pic.twitter.com/P8mFxfTvWT

— Eimear McCormack (@EimearMcCormack) January 5, 2014

Due to high winds earlier, @Ryanair FR025 from Paris Beauvais diverted to @PIKAIRPORT and FR1113 from @Gatwick_Airport to @shannon_airport

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) January 5, 2014

Irish Ferries is advising passengers that due to weather conditions, Swift sailings are cancelled for tomorrow. Passengers will be accommodated on other sailings.

#StormChristine Warrenpoint, Co.Down earlier this eve via @RichieReynolds_ #TV3Weather pic.twitter.com/ctUxUvGJxM

— Deric (@deric_tv) January 5, 2014

The danger of coastal flood continues, due to the combination of the gale force winds, high tides and very high seas. Heavy thundery downpours may lead to local spot flooding inland also.

"@iWeatherNews: 🌊 Stena Nordica in heavy Irish Sea . http://t.co/D0zE4RLwiY @Carlislef1 @angie_weather" Janet mac tg I'm on dry ish land

— Deirdre FORDE (@deirdreforde) January 5, 2014

The Coast Guard strongly advises the public not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or any other coastal areas during the stormy weather.

"Huge waves can be whipped up by high seas. These waves can pose hazards to anyone close to the shoreline," read a Coast Guard statement.

🌊This afternoon's high tide at Warrenpoint. pic.twitter.com/RtJVyvwwRf /via @LorraineMcVeigh @watch_weather

— Irish Weather News (@iWeatherNews) January 5, 2014

Manager of the Irish Coast Guard, Declan Geoghegan said: "The public should exercise extreme caution and venture out only where necessary, also don’t go out alone, and have a method of raising the alarm if necessary.”

He also urged the public to monitor weather broadcasts when travelling and heed the advice of the RSA on road use during severe weather and high winds.

Specific advice from the Coast Guard is:

* The public is advised to stay away from the shoreline and to avoid engaging in water sports

* Do not venture out unnecessarily when gale force conditions are forecast

* Avoid exposed coasts, cliff paths and coastal areas during inclement weather this week

* Owners of small vessels and fishing vessels in coastal waters should seek shelter and secure them properly with moorings.

If you do see someone in difficulty in the sea, on the shore, cliffs, lakes or rivers, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.