Storm Ellen is set to hit Ireland tonight and tomorrow bringing "severe and potentially damaging winds"

Two weather warnings are in place as Storm Ellen is set to batter Ireland tonight.

Storm Ellen is set to hit Ireland tonight and tomorrow bringing "severe and potentially damaging winds" as well as “potential coastal flooding.”

A status red wind warning has been issued for Cork that will remain in place between 9pm and midnight as the storm produces “a core of very severe and destructive winds”, Met Éireann said.

Met Eireann has also issued a Status Orange Wind warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 9pm tonight until 6am tomorrow.

An existing Status Yellow wind warning remains in place for the rest of the country from 9pm tonight until the end of tomorrow.

A forecaster stated: “It will become very windy on Wednesday night and throughout the day on Thursday.”

“Severe gusts are likely and there is a risk of some disruption.

“Due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds there is a potential risk of coastal flooding.”