All of the country's national parks and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sites will be closed tomorrow (Friday, January 24) due to Storm Éowyn.

The NPWS said that public safety is a priority and as a result facilities and amenities on all its sites will be closed and will be opened only following review of all conditions.

"Please follow the weather warnings from Met Éireann and advice from the National Emergency Co-ordination Group and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

"Updates on reopening access to National Parks will be available on NPWS...social media platforms and other local and national news sources," a statement outlined.

Met Éireann has said that the powerful winter storm, which will bring gusts of over 130km/h, will affect Ireland from tonight and during Friday.

Storm Éowyn will also bring heavy rain followed by showers, potentially leading to localised surface flooding, which may prevail into Saturday.

A series of Status Red weather warnings have been issued for the entire country ahead of the arrival of the storm.

The national forecaster said that there will be a “danger to life” as the storm tracks across the country, along with extremely dangerous travelling conditions and significant and widespread power outages.

The highest category of weather warning will come into force at various points in the early hours of Friday morning (January 24) before being gradually lifted later in the day.

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.