As Ireland braces itself to feel the full force of Storm Éowyn, Met Éireann has warned that the latest weather front could bring with it a possible "danger to life".

The Status Red wind warning means schools and creches in a number of counties will close, the National Emergency Coordination Group has said. Higher education facilities will also shut and employers are being asked to let staff work from home where possible.

Storm forecasters say "a strong event cannot be ruled out" in the UK - with an explosive cyclogenesis caused by a major drop in air pressure bringing the "risk of a few tornados".