People across Donegal are being urged to take precautions as Storm Gareth is set to tear through the region tonight.
A Status Orange weather alert is in place for Donegal and nearby counties from midday as extreme winds and damaging gusts are forecast for the west and north west.
Met Eireann warns that winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 75km/h with damaging gusts reaching 110 to 130km/h. There is also the risk of coastal flooding due to high seas.
Heavy rain, hail and a risk of thunder will combine for an unsettled night.
Donegal County Council is warning homeowners and businesses to secure their properties and belongings and take extra care. Emergency contact numbers have been issued:
The strongest gusts will come tonight with the north and west coasts worst affected.
Sea conditions will be very rough and there will be exceptionally high seas and swell in Atlantic coastal regions at times.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads.
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