Storm Debbie: Travel warning as warnings are in place
Latest weather forecast for Northern Ireland
Storm Debbie has made landfall, bringing strong winds and heavy rain across the island of Ireland.
Police urged people to stay home and avoid unnecessary trips.
Meteorologists warned of unrest and damage, with severe weather warnings issued.
A yellow wind warning has been issued for parts of Counties Down and Armagh, with a yellow alert for heavy rain and wind across Northern Ireland.
In the Republic of Ireland, a red alert – the highest level – was issued for 14 counties with a warning of danger to life.
About 58,000 homes and businesses were cut off from electricity across the country, and the number is expected to rise as the storm reaches its peak.
Weather service Met Éireann said there was a possibility of localized flooding, dangerous driving conditions and fallen trees.
Schools in red warning zones in the Republic of Ireland have been asked to postpone opening until 10:00 local time.
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In Northern Ireland, a yellow rain warning remains in place until 14:00 GMT, with some areas expected to see up to 40mm of rain over a six-hour period.
The Met Office said a wave of very strong winds were expected during the morning across parts of Armagh and Down, with inland gusts of 60-65mph possible in places and coastal gusts of up to 75mph.
A yellow warning applies to these areas from 06:00 to 12:00, as Storm Debbie moves north.
The Met Office has warned that homes and businesses could be affected by torrential rain on Monday, just weeks after flooding caused chaos in counties Down, Armagh and Antrim.
“Don’t put yourself in danger.”
A Northern Ireland Police spokesman said in a statement that there was a possibility of flying debris “which could lead to potential injury or potential danger to life.”
They asked people to stay at home where possible and not make non-essential travel.
Newry, Morne and Down District Council said many of its services would be disrupted due to the orange warning in the area.
Household bin collection will be postponed while recycling centers and public facilities will be closed until 12:00pm and parks will be closed until further notice.
In the Republic of Ireland, a red wind alert means a warning of potential danger to life.
The warning is in force for counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly and Westmeath until 08:00.
It was also in effect in counties Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and Roscommon from 02:00 to 05:00.
Structural damage is expected, and the public has been told to expect major power outages.
Disturbances are also expected at Irish airports and ports.
As of 06:00 on Monday, four domestic and four outbound flights have been canceled at Dublin Airport.
Meanwhile, Irish Rail has warned passengers to expect delays as speed restrictions will be implemented across the entire rail network in the Republic of Ireland for safety reasons due to the storm.
Dublin Bus services and Luas tram services in the city have been canceled until at least 10:00.
An orange wind alert has been in place for 19 counties until 10:00.
The Republic of Ireland National Emergency Coordination Group has advised schools and kindergartens in all affected counties to remain closed until 10:00 and for those who can work from home to do so.
