Irish Rural Link is calling for "heightened vigilance" by neighbours of older and vulnerable people ahead of Storm Éowyn.

Met Éireann has issued Status Red wind warnings for the entire country as the storm may pose a "danger to life".

Storm Éowyn will bring gale to storm force winds with severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130kph.

Travelling conditions will be extremely dangerous, while "significant and widespread" power outages are expected with fallen trees and structural damage.

As of 8:30a.m today, Met Éireann said that a Status Red wind warning for Carlow; Kilkenny; Wexford; Cork; Kerry; Limerick and Waterford will be in place from 2:00a.m until 10:00a.m on Friday (January 24).

A similar warning for Clare and Galway will be valid from 3:00a.m until 11:00a.m on Friday.

In Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo the red wind warning will be in place from 4:00a.m until 12:00p.m on Friday and the warning will be in force for Donegal from 6:00a.m until 3:00p.m on Friday.

The warning for Cavan; Monaghan; Dublin; Kildare; Laois; Longford; Louth; Meath; Offaly; Westmeath; Wicklow; Roscommon and Tipperary will run from 6:00a.m until 12:00p.m on Friday.

A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for the entire country from midnight until 4:00p.m on Friday.

As well as that, a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford will be valid from 9:00p.m on Thursday until 5:00a.m on Friday.

Met Éireann has said that the warnings are subject to change and people are advised to keep checking the weather forecast.

Ahead of the arrival of Storm Éowyn tonight, Irish Rural Link, the national network representing the interests of rural communities, is urging people to take the weather warnings seriously and to exercise extra caution.

The network said that given that the red weather warning is the highest level of alert, it is crucial that everyone takes immediate steps to ensure their safety.

“During times of severe weather, it’s important to look out for one another. By checking on elderly neighbours and helping them prepare, we can ensure that everyone remains safe," Seamus Boland, Irish Rural Link chief executive, said.

Irish Rural Link has asked people to consider the following when checking on elderly and vulnerable neighbours ahead of the storm:

Ensure they are prepared for the storm and have all necessary supplies, including food, medication, water, and fuel;
Check that they have working torches, spare batteries, and fully charged mobile phones;
Help secure loose objects around their house, and make sure windows and doors are fully locked and secure to prevent any safety hazards;
Keep in touch with elderly and vulnerable neighbours throughout Friday.