Met Éireann has issued a red weather alert for Cork between 9 pm and midnight tonight, warning of very severe and damaging winds.
Storm Ellen will pass over the country tonight with an orange wind warning in place in several counties in the West.
The orange alert comes into effect at 9pm for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.
A yellow warning is in place for the rest of the country, including Cavan and Monaghan.
Forecasters have warned Storm Ellen could be more powerful than Storm Ophelia in 2017, which badly impacted Cavan and Monaghan.
There's also a risk of flooding in coastal areas with Met Éireann saying the storm will bring with it a storm surge, heavy swells and onshore winds.
Local authorities are preparing for the storm and deploying temporary flood defences and putting response staff on standby.
The National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management Crisis Management Team is urging anyone holidaying in affected counties to stay away from all coastal areas.
Road users are also being urged to slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees.
