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A man has been killed during Hurricane Ophelia while clearing a fallen tree with a chainsaw - the second fatality of the fierce storm.

The man in his 30s was fatally injured in Ballybrado, Co Tipperary, Ireland at 12.30pm.

It comes after a woman was killed after a tree fell onto her car earlier today.

The accident happened in the Irish village of Aglish in south eastern County Waterford.

The woman, in her 50s, is the first victim of the 80mph storm which is currently battering Ireland.

National broadcaster RTE, quoting the local council office, said a tree fell onto her car as a result of tropical storm Ophelia.

RTE said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene as the storm began to batter Ireland's southern coast.

A woman in her 70s was also injured and is in hospital with non life threatening injuries, Gardai confirmed.

A spokeswoman for the council could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Image: metoffice/Twitter)

(Image: The Weather Channel) (Image: AudreyEWalsh/Twitter)

A police statement issued reads: "Gardai are at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred outside Aglish village on the R671 this morning at 11.40am, Monday 16th October, 2017.

"A female driver, in her 50s, was fatally injured when the car she was driving was struck by a falling tree.

"A female passenger, in her mid 70s, was injured and has been removed to Waterford Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

"Emergency services are still at the scene."

(Image: www.alamy.com) (Image: AFP)

They urged all road users to remain indoors and not travel unless the journey was absolutely necessary.

Weather conditions in Waterford city and west Waterford are currently being described as severe and there are numerous reports of falling trees due to high winds.

(Image: Fizzshuffle/Twitter)

Motorists have been warned to avoid unnecessary travel as storm Ophelia batters parts of the UK.

Remnants of the hurricane have hit Britain's west coast this afternoon, with gusts of up to 80mph causing power cuts and bridge closures.

Motorists have been warned about flying debris, fallen trees and large waves along coastal roads.

The AA issued emergency advice to drivers to be prepared for disruption and road closures.

(Image: Emma Jervis)

Spokesman Vince Crane said: "Those in the worst-affected regions such as Ireland, west Wales, the North West and Scotland should avoid unnecessary travel.

"For those on the road, expect disruption and drive to the conditions.

"This may mean slowing down so that sudden gusts don't blow you as far off course."

(Image: Emma Jervis)

Mr Crane added: "Road closures are likely, particularly on exposed bridges or where debris or fallen trees cause blockages, so check your route and plan for diversions.

"Strong or sudden gusts of wind are more likely on open stretches of road, when passing bridges or gaps in hedges, or when overtaking high-sided vehicles.

"Wind can also bring down trees, blow you off course or blow other vehicles into your path.

"Be prepared as some roads will be treacherous. Never attempt to drive through flood water."

Hurricane Ophelia is hitting the UK and Ireland with winds of up to 80mph posing a danger to life, causing travel chaos, grounding flights, closing schools, government buildings and courts.

The Met Office have issued an amber 'be prepared' warning for the strength of the winds in parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and a yellow weather warning for parts of south west England, Wales and the north-west of England.