Forecasters are warning of stormy weather this Christmas.
Storm Barbara is threatening travel chaos on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with gales of up to 120kph predicted.
Met Eireann has this afternoon issued a Status Yellow National Alert. It says "a potentially stormy spell of weather is likely later this week and over the Christmas weekend. In particular, Friday looks like bringing stormy weather, with the north west and west most at risk, but the details are still uncertain at this stage."
The weather alert is valid from Thursday 23rd at midday until Stephen's Night at midnight.
Latest GFS run shows no weakening of Xmas storm. No Christmas dinner for some if this verifies #stormbarbara pic.twitter.com/1YwkcLBSdb
— Waterford Weather (@waterfdweather) December 18, 2016
Meanwhile, Irish Weather Online is forecasting gusts of up to 80kph-110kph on Christmas Eve and 120kph on Christmas Day.
Storm Barbara would be the second storm of the season following Storm Angus which hit Britain on November 19th.
Oh dear!! Could be a few Turkeys going on the BBQ to be cooked if this storm hits Christmas Day 😬 pic.twitter.com/cfiK5dtRRH
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) December 18, 2016