Met Éireann has warned the bad weather and severe winds affecting the country will persist throughout today but mainly in the north.
Winds are still gusting in Malin Head at 140km/h but are expected to decrease quite quickly from mid-afternoon into this evening.
The Met expects winds to reduce in severity but says it will not be calm by this evening and warns of further gales at sea tonight, particularly off the northwest coast.
Air travel has also been widely affected across the country with flight cancellations out of Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
Worst affected are domestic Aer Arann flights, with six cancellations so far today between Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.
Shannon airport is experiencing delays on flights to London Heathrow due to bad weather in London, but it is reporting a return to good weather locally. Cork airport experienced worst disruption between 7 and 10am but is now reporting a return to normal scheduling.
Dublin airport is experiencing delays of between 30 minutes and one hour on all flights because of the knock-on effect of the weather. It is advising passengers to contact their airline directly for up-to-date information.
Sea travel has also been hampered by the gale force winds. A number of ferry sailings have been cancelled, including Stenaline's Rosslare-to-Fishguard 9am sailing and the Dublin-to-Holyhead 8.30am sailing. Irish Ferries Rosslare-to-Pembroke 9.30am sailing was also cancelled.
AA Roadwatch have advised motorists to give cyclists a wide berth as they try to avoid surface water and gusts of wind may make them swerve.
Motorists are also advised to be aware of trees blocking roads throughout the country.