Motorists and other travellers returning to work after the holiday break have been warned to expect severe weather conditions this morning.
Last night Met Éireann issued a severe weather warning that south-west to south winds of speeds of 25 to 25 knots would gust frequently to between 50 and 65 knots overnight and continue into the early part of today.
Ms Jean Byrne, of Met Éireann, said the heavy overnight rain and winds, which could be up to gale force on land, would continue until 8 or 9 a.m. this morning.
"It could still be a bit dicey for a while," she said.
Out at sea the winds today will range from gale force to storm force. On land, on the east coast particularly, winds could reach 60 m.p.h with strong gusts.
She said once that subsided, there would be heavy rain. It would continue fairly windy. The heavy rain in the east and south would clear away, and the day would be bright with sunny spells. Scattered showers would mostly be in the west and north.
The strong south to southwest winds at first would continue to veer westerly during the morning, decreasing fresh to strong. Turning cooler, maximum temperatures would be 6 to 8 degrees.
AA Roadwatch warned motorists to be careful this morning. A spokeswoman said the severe weather warning was issued until 8 a.m. so they would warn motorists to be vigilant.
"As the warning continues until 8 a.m. this morning, we would advise motorists to be careful and watch out for fallen debris."
She said it may not be as severe as Saturday's gales, but if there were debris or fallen trees councils may not be able to get out to clear them in time before the morning traffic began.
Yesterday Irish Ferries cancelled the 5.30 p.m. sailing of the Jonathan Swift due to weather conditions.
All passengers were expected to be accommodated on the cruise ferry at 10.05 p.m. instead.
All other Irish Ferries and Stena Line sailings went on schedule.