The public has been warned to stay away from coastal areas as it says Storm Lorenzo could endanger lives and property.

The storm, which will pass over the country this evening and during the night, is expected to bring severe conditions. Meteorologist Evelyn Cusack of Met Éireann has said that very high waves combined with low pressure, high tides and gusts of up to 130km/h in places will make coastal flooding and damage very likely. Speaking at the meeting of National Emergency Coordination Group this lunchtime, she and others urged people to keep away from the coast. It is also crucial, the NECG stressed, that people stay up to date with local information as well as national reports as the storm reaches Ireland. The Defence Forces are on standby across the country and are ready to assist the local authorities, the emergency services and hospitals. Troops are expected to be deployed as necessary as part of the clean-up operation tomorrow. Met Éireann has issued four weather warnings ahead of the storm's arrival. A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for the entire country until 6pm this evening. There is a Status Yellow rainfall warning in place for Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal until 6am tomorrow morning. A Status Orange Wind Warning will be in effect for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry and Limerick from 6pm this evening to 6am tomorrow. A Status Yellow wind warning for Wexford, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford will be in place from 6pm this evening to 6am tomorrow.