Storm Eunice: Schools in Clare and Waterford to close today

Schools in multiple counties will close today.

Schools in Clare and Waterford have been told not to open as Storm Eunice arrives in Ireland. Both counties have been added to the "danger to life" Status Red list. A Status Red wind warning is currently in place in Cork, Kerry, and Clare. Met Éireann has urged people to stay inside until the storm has passed. "Storm Eunice will track quickly over on Friday morning bringing severe and damaging winds. Southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with gusts in excess of 130 km/h." Met Éireann warned the public to prepare for some coastal flooding, especially at high tide. A Status Red wind warning was also issued for Co. Waterford. Met Éireann urged people to remain vigilant and not to take unnecessary journeys. A Status Orange snow warning has been issued for Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon Schools in Status Red and Status Orange counties will remain closed today. Childcare services and colleges will also be closed. The Department of Education issued a statement about the school closures yesterday evening. It urged schools in the affected counties to close in order to protect their staff and students. The Department of Education stated that schools in multiple counties should close because of "the extreme nature of Storm Eunice". The Department of Education understands that the storm is expected to impact most during school commuting hours. This is why they are being told to close. "The storm is expected to impact most during school commuting hours. "This will make journeys to school extremely hazardous in the morning in those areas."