Ashley making its presence felt as first named storm of the season sweeps across the country

The force of Storm Ashley has been sweeping across the country earlier than originally expected today.

Heavy winds and rain have already begun battering the West Coast with strong gusts enveloping the remainder the island - The Status Orange weather alert for several western counties kicked in from 10 am.

The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, if possible, until the worst of the storm passes tonight at around 8 p.m.

Winds gusting up to 140Kmh have been recorded in Clew Bay.

Nick Critch of Weather Alerts Ireland said throughout the morning winds will increase in western areas, where the storm will be witnessed at its strongest.

Gusts up to and possibly exceeding 130km/h in the west to north west coastal counties are forecast.

Some models have shown gusts in excess of 140km/h in coastal areas.

"For parts of western Galway and Mayo some models have gusts as high as 150km/h or even higher.

"Inland counties are expecting gusts exceeding 100kmh and higher gusts on higher ground or exposed areas," he explained.

Some of the other issues expected are coastal flooding, localised flooding, downed trees and branches, downed power lines, treacherous driving conditions and debris.

An important message from Meath Co Council High spring tide along the Meath coastline will be at approx 1.50pm Sunday, remember Stay Back, Stay High and Stay Dry