A STATUS RED weather warning is in place as Ireland prepares for Storm Ophelia.

Met Éireann is warning that the storm is likely to be the most severe weather event to hit the country in over 50 years.

People across the country are being told to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary. You can find the main advice on transport, school closures etc. here.

Three people have lost their lives in the storm.

A woman in her 50s was killed when a tree fell on the car she was driving near Aglish in Waterford this morning.

A man in his early 30s died after being injured by a chainsaw while clearing a fallen tree near Cahir in Tipperary.

Another man has died after a tree fell on his car in Ravensdale, Dundalk, County Louth.

Here’s a quick recap of what else has been happening today:

Here are some of the main points to remember:

Ophelia has reached the south of the country and has spread to south Leinster and Dublin. The immediate storm will not abate over until midnight for the north of the country.

The National Hurricane Center in the US has said that counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal will be the worst affected.

Roofs have come off a number of properties in Cork and Tipperary.

There are trees down across the country with many roads blocked.

Schools will be closed again tomorrow, the Department of Education has confirmed.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe said people should remain indoors as it’s “a matter of life and death”.

There are over 360,000 people without power in Munster as the storm rips through the province. Some will be without electricity for 10 days.

Gardaí have urged all motorists and the public not to make any non-essential journeys. They advise people not to cycle whatsoever.

People living in coastal areas are also being warned of the risk posed by flooding from storm surge and the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas and waterways.

Bus Éireann has cancelled all its services until tomorrow.

All schools and colleges across the country are closed.

The HSE has cancelled all hospital outpatient appointments which were due to take place today.

If you would like to send us in any pictures or videos of the storm (and make sure it’s safe to do so), send it to news@thejournal.ie.

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