While we may not be getting a white Christmas, the next few days are certainly going to be wet and windy.
That's right – Storm Barbara is already making her presence known on our shores, and Met Éireann has responded with not one but two weather warnings.
Counties in the North-West of the country – including Donegal, Galway and Mayo – have been hit with a Status Orange wind warning. Coastal areas are set to be the worst affected, enduring winds of between 100 and 120km per hour.
The sea gathering momentum as Storm Barbara prepares to hit Ireland. Portstewart Strand. pic.twitter.com/mLR1JguXAe
— Emmet Doherty (@Emmet_84) December 21, 2016
Meanwhile, the rest of the country has been assigned a Status Yellow warning, with the Coast Guard urging people travelling to take extra care on the roads.
A special warning has been sent out to those enjoying festive hikes or swims.
“Many people will be engaging in outdoor activities along the coastline, be it on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promenades or other coastal areas. The simple safety message is: stay back, stay high, stay dry,” a Coast Guard rep said.
Categorical Outlook in ie for storm Barbara, high level risk for U.K. and Ireland, more; https://t.co/wWF3Ch01IQ pic.twitter.com/UjWE9UpSbF
— Meteo Europe (@Meteo_Europe) December 22, 2016
Good evening everyone. Was the calm before the storm today. Hope all is tied down before Storm Barbara hits us some time tomorrow
— Smallholders Ireland (@SmallholderIRL) December 22, 2016
N Ireland to be hit by Storm Barbara,or Bairbre (Irish) or a "Big Wined" (Ulster Scots)
— Tony Fearon (@TonyFearon) December 21, 2016
They added: “Lone swimming should be avoided, and all swimmers should be cognisant that time in the water should be kept to a minimum as even the most experienced of swimmers can easily succumb to cramp or cold water shock.”
If you are involved in/ come across an accident, you are advised to contact the authorities on 112.