Storm Ellen: Warnings issued ahead of strong wind and rain

Warnings have been issued ahead of Storm Ellen which will move in from the Atlantic on Wednesday night.

The highest level weather warning, Status Red, was issued for County Cork by Irish weather service, Met Éireann and authorities have advised people to remain indoors during the storm.

Gusts of up to 167km/h have been recorded off the coast near Kinsale, RTÉ have reported.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for strong winds for Northern Ireland.

The storm, which contains remnants of Tropical Storm Kyle, will move into the west coast of Ireland, bringing severe gales.

Met Éireann has warned that a "core of very severe and destructive winds" are forecast between 21:00 local time and midnight.

A Status Orange warning remains in place for County Cork after midnight, as well as seven other counties along the south and west coast.

In Northern Ireland, forecasted strong winds have led to a yellow warning from the Met Office from midnight on Wednesday until 08:00 BST Thursday, with strong winds continuing through much of the day.

Gusts up to 80km/h (50mph) can be expected inland with even stronger gusts for coasts and higher ground.

Heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms will move across all counties leading to very blustery conditions on Thursday.

A yellow warning indicates possible damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.

In the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann said that "due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds there is a potential risk of coastal flooding".

The organisation is also advising of further very wet and windy conditions on Friday.

Gusts up to 80km/h (50mph) are expected quite widely, again stronger for exposed coastal and high ground areas.

Calmer conditions are forecast over the coming weekend.

With many opting to holiday at home due to coronavirus, rescue organisations are urging those planning trips to the coast or mountains to pay heed to weather forecasts.

"The key thing is to know that when you go to a mountain environment that higher areas will exacerbate what's happening at lower levels," said Martin McMullan, rescue co-ordinator at Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

"What's coming this week is potentially going to be some of the worst conditions that you could expect when walking in the mountains. It wouldn't be a day to go out.

"There will be poor visibility, stronger winds, heavier rain, and cooler temperatures.

"Everything is working against you.

"Some of the strongest gusts will coincide with high tides which could lead to very large waves along the coast."

Kevin Rahill of the RNLI advised that although stormy conditions may be tempting to watch "the sea is very dangerous and unpredictable and big waves can easily knock you off your feet".

"The sea is far more powerful than you think and your chances of survival are slim if you are dragged into the swell," said Mr Rahill.

"We understand why people want to experience extreme weather, but we strongly urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.

"Around 150 people accidentally lose their lives around UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn't plan on ever entering the water."