Batten down the hatches, folks.

Storm Gareth is set to hit Ireland later today with the potential for disruption and damage. Forecasters are warning that the storm, which is due to make landfall around midday, will batter the country with heavy rain and "damaging gusts" of up to 130kmh. The winds could affect power supply in certain areas, according to Met Éireann. There will also be a risk of coastal flooding. A Status Orange weather warning will come into effect in the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo at 12pm. It will remain in place until 9am tomorrow. A Yellow Wind warning has been issued for the rest of the country. It will take effect from 12pm and last until 12pm tomorrow.

A few bright or sunny spells this morning. Getting very windy with showers developing widely, frequent & blustery this afternoon – some heavy with the risk of hail. SW winds veering west will increase gale force with some severe gusts or squalls later. A cold day. Highs 7-9C pic.twitter.com/bJg7CVua6B

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 12, 2019

This morning, meanwhile, we can expect some bright and sunny spells though it will become cloudier and windier with showers developing widely. It'll be blustery this afternoon with the risk of hail. Highest temperatures 7 to 9 degrees. It's forecast to stay windy and rainy as we head into tonight, though winds will ease and showers will become more isolated overnight. Temperatures are predicted to drop to between 2 and 5 degrees.