A WOMAN HAS died after a caravan was blown off the edge of a cliff in Co Galway.

The woman, who was aged in her 50s, was a Swiss national.

Gardaí received a report of an incident at Claddaghduff, Galway at 7.45am today.

A search was carried out on the beach and after a short time the body of the woman was recovered.

Her body is expected to be removed to University College Galway for a post-mortem examination. The local coroner has been notified.

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene at Claddaghduff; the Irish Coast Guard had been assisting with the operation.

A Status Orange wind warning remains in place for most of the country until 1pm today as Storm Ali sweeps across the country, with counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Galway the worst affected.

Winds are forecast to be strongest in the west and northwest with mean speeds of between 65-80 km/h and gusts of between 110-130 km/h.

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Tributes

President Michael D Higgins said he was “deeply saddened to learn that Storm Ali has already claimed one victim today”.

As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to her family.

He added that he would urge people to heed the warnings by the authorities and take caution when travelling or when out in the open.

“I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services around the country.”