Warnings have been issued to road users ahead of a storm forecast to hit Ireland over the Christmas weekend.

Met Éireann has issued two wind warnings for tomorrow as Storm Barbara is set to cross the north and northwest of the country.

Donegal, Galway and Mayo are expected to be the worst affected, with severe gusts of between 100-120km/h and winds of 65-75km/h.

A status orange wind warning is in place for high ground in those counties and coastal regions.

A less severe status yellow wind warning is in place for the rest of the country, with gusts of between 90-110 km/h and winds of 50-65 km/h, strongest on exposed coasts.

The warnings are valid from 6am-6pm on Friday.

Irish Ferries has cancelled six sailings between Dublin and Holyhead tomorrow due to the severe weather forecast.

All sailings of the Jonathan Swift fast craft and the Oscar Wilde cruise ferry have been scrapped.

The company has said space will be found for passengers on alternative sailings.

Severe weather systems have already affected flights in the UK.

Dublin Airport Authority has said around 83,000 passengers are expected to travel through the airport tomorrow.

Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, chief communications officer Paul O'Kane said he does not expect Storm Barbara to have a significant impact on domestic flights.

However he added that it could impact on some Scottish airports.

Meanwhile the Road Safety Authority has called on motorists and pedestrians to take precautions during stormy conditions.