Met Eireann is to decide today if it will issue a severe weather alert about the very strong winds expected in the coming days. The forecasting service said there was a prospect of snow storms along with the strong winds.
There will be a severe drop in temperature today, possibly as low as 2 Celsius. The ESB reported that the last of its customers cut off by the Christmas storms has now been reconnected.
Its spokesman, Mr Barney Whelan, said the ESB has been warned of the possibility of south to south-westerly gale gusts in the next few days.
Unlike the Christmas storms, which were most active in Munster, the worst of the coming weather is anticipated to affect Connacht and Ulster.
Met Eireann said winds will be very strong for the rest of the week, but nothing as severe as the storms of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is expected.
The spokesman said winds gusting in places to 60 and 70 m.p.h. were expected. It will be much colder today, with the possibility of hail, sleet or snow.
AA Roadwatch reported yesterday that a combination of rain and high winds was making driving conditions treacherous, particularly in Munster and Connacht. It advised motorists to drive with extreme caution and not to venture out if present conditions prevail.
The weather conditions have caused the cancellation of today's Swansea-Cork Ferries 9 a.m. sailing from the Welsh port and tomorrow's 9 a.m. sailing from Cork to Swansea. The company said normal service is expected to resume tomorrow night. Intending passengers are asked to call 021-271166 for details.
Stena Line has asked customers to call for information before travelling because of the difficult weather conditions still being forecast.