Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for nine counties as Storm Dennis batters the country.

The counties covered by the warning are Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Met Éireann said southwest winds are expected to reach mean speeds of 60-80 km/h, with severe gusts of up to 120km/h.

The wind will be the strongest on exposed hills and coasts, with a risk of coastal flooding also in place.

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland faced political turmoil Sunday as an exit poll from the weekend’s parliamentary election suggested that Sinn Fein, a left-wing party committed to reunification of the island, finished in a virtual dead heat with the two parties that have governed since the country won independence almost a century ago.

From RTE News:

The opening ceremony for Galway's year as European Capital of Culture has been cancelled due to expected bad weather.

In a statement, Galway 2020 said it was extremely disappointed to announce the cancellation but that the decision had been made in the interests of public safety.

The company set up to oversee the year-long European designation said it had been in constant contact with relevant authorities overnight and this morning.