The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that, because of Storm Éowyn, it has taken the decision to suspend all on-farm inspections tomorrow (Friday January 24).

DAFM stated: "Staff have been informed of this decision and if any inspections were scheduled for tomorrow they will be cancelled and rescheduled at the earliest possible time".

Teagasc has also confirmed that a CalfCare event in Co. Galway and a Teagasc One-to-One Clinic on Forest Creation in Tipperary tomorrow have also been cancelled.

The schedule of CalfCare events are expected to resume next week.

Meanwhile, Tirlán has confirmed that branches will be closed tomorrow morning and will reopen at 2:00p.m in the afternoon, "conditions permitting".

"Tirlán will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves," the co-op said.

Lakeland has also advised that there will be disruption to all feed deliveries tomorrow, and that agri stores will be closed until 12:00p.m at the earliest.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again today (Thursday, January 23) to prepare for Storm Éowyn as red level weather warnings are due to come into effect overnight.

Keith Leonard, chair of the NECG, said: “Storm Éowyn is set to be one of the most severe storms Ireland has seen. It is going to be a damaging, dangerous and destructive weather event.

"Our most important message today is everybody needs to shelter in place during the red level wind warnings".

Separately, ESB Networks has also said that the forecasted very high winds are expected to cause extensive damage to electricity infrastructure.

It said its crews and partner contractors around the country "are in a full state of readiness and are making all necessary preparations in order to respond". 

An Garda Síochána has also issued a warning to all members of the public that a status red severe weather warning means "shelter in place".

It has advised that people in areas affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged the public to take extreme caution.

According to the RSA, when the extreme weather passes road users will "still have to contend with potentially hazardous road conditions such as flooded roads and downed pylons, lines, trees, branches, and other debris which could block roads".

Met Éireann has 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.