Storm-force winds continue as motorists warned to drive carefully

With thousands taking to the roads today, motorists are being urged to be especially careful.

Some ferry sailings are also cancelled due to the adverse weather. Passengers are asked to check with their carrier in advance.

Forecaster John Eagleton said that we can expect a slight improvement this afternoon.

"Scattered showers really - it'll be a cold day, and it will feel cold in those winds," he said.

"Temperatures will only be about four or five degrees, and of course that'll mean that some of the showers will be wintry."

Although there have been some snow flurries this morning in Roscommon and Cavan, Met Éireann says we are unlikely to have a white Christmas.

"I don't think there's going to be any major snow event, not with temperatures at three or four, but certainly when the showers are falling they could fall as snow, but I'd expect it to clear up," said Eagleton.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “Everybody should understand that roads are an essential part of our society. They’re also lethal in different circumstances.”

In the UK, two people have died after getting into difficulty in swollen rivers as heavy rain and strong winds continue to badly affect Britain.

Forecaster with Met Eireann John Eagleton says we can expect high winds this morning with a slight improvement this afternoon.