Storm Floris: At least 10,000 homes without power as eight counties remain under Status Yellow warnings
The public have been warned to expect potentially dangerous travelling conditions across the north west with storm debris, fallen trees and potential structural damage to walls and buildings.
ESB Networks repair crews are on standby to deal with any power outages but warned crews can only commence work when it is safe to do so.
Winds are expected to gust to 100kmh-110kmh with the potential for structural damage.
Of greatest concern is that the storm - the sixth Atlantic storm of the season - will hit while trees are heavily laden with leaves and are at their most vulnerable to toppling.
Fallen trees traditionally cause the greatest damage to the power grid.
Gardaí have urged people to drive with care and, if possible, to postpone journeys until wind conditions have eased in the areas subject to the Status Yellow alert.
Road safety officials have said it is a bonus that the worst of the storm will pass across the north west early on a bank holiday Monday when traffic is at its lightest and the normal morning commute is vastly reduced.
Water Safety Ireland have urged people to be careful near the coast - and not to approach exposed coastal areas during the storm.
People have also been warned to exercise maximum caution in the sea after the storm passes as currents could be exceptionally strong in the wake of the storm surge for some time.
The RNLI and Coast Guard have already warned about strong rip tides in some areas.
Storm Floris will not impact the major outdoor events taking place in other parts of Ireland including the All Together Now festival at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford which has attracted 30,000 revellers.
Festival goers may experience some rainfall - some of which could be quite heavy - on Monday but will not be impacted by Storm Floris.
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann opened on Sunday and will run for the next week in Wexford.
Other major events taking place in Ireland over August bank holiday weekend include the Dublin Book Festival, the Breakwater Festival, the Spraoi Street Art Festival and the Mary from Dungloe Festival.
Ralph Riegel
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