Schools to close and employers told to allow remote work as Met Éireann issues red alert for Friday’s ‘extreme’ winds

Storm Éowyn has the "potential to be very destructive," Met Éireann said while issuing its Status Red weather warnings. Check here for the Status Red, Status Yellow, and Status Orange weather warnings coming into effect for Ireland this week.

A map produced by Met Éireann to illustrate a weather warning as Storm Éowyn approaches has caused confusion after showing the Republic covered in red while the north remains amber. The map on the forecaster’s website shows areas set to be most affected by the storm with every county in the Republic lit up red.

The strongest winds are likely around Irish Sea coasts where gusts could be in excess of 90mph (145km/h). But gusts of 60-70mph (97-113km/h) are widely expected throughout the day with yellow weather warnings issued from Thursday.

Multiple warnings have been issued across Northern Ireland as Storm Éowyn makes its way. The storm is expected to bring possible damage and disruption to parts of Ireland and the UK as it tracks east from the Atlantic.