Met Éireann has issued a Status Red marine warning as Storm Ellen approaches today, Wednesday 19 August.
Gale- to storm-force winds, southeast veering southwest, are forecast for this evening and tonight on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea.
Winds will even reach violent storm Force 11 for a time on the South and West Coasts from Carnsore Point to Valentia to Slyne Head.
From tonight to early Friday the weather may result in unsafe conditions and disruption especially over high ground, lakes and sea areas.
There is also a risk of flooding from storm surges as heavy rains meet spring tides at their highest.
Cork will bear the brunt of the storm, which will produce a core of very severe and destructive winds between 9pm and midnight tonight.