WITH STORM BRAM on the way, people are being urged not to think about putting up any more Christmas decorations tonight, and instead to take down or secure anything outside that could take flight in tomorrow’s winds.

Outdoor lights, inflatables, wreaths and garden ornaments are all at risk of becoming dangerous projectiles, emergency officials warn, as eleven counties prepare to move under a Status Orange wind warning on Tuesday.

Nationally, the Office of Emergency Planning is asking people to use today to get ready: charge phones, secure loose items (including decorations) and avoid all unnecessary travel once the orange alert kicks in.

 Met Éireann and the ESB are also advising people in affected areas to make sure that there’s ample food and water supplies in the house, and to check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.

Strong winds are expected to make driving hazardous, particularly for cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles.

Road users should expect fallen branches, debris and surface water, and are being urged not to attempt to drive through floodwater.

‼️#StormBram had been named by Met Éireann

⚠️Yellow & Orange warnings in operation as strong winds & heavy rain will affect Ireland👇
ℹ️https://t.co/Q59bNXVQOn

❗️Keep up to date on our website for updates on warning levels, affected areas & timing:
ℹ️https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS pic.twitter.com/kckR35G7nl

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 8, 2025

Rivers and streams already swollen after persistent rain should be avoided, as banks may give way without warning.

Coastal areas are likely to bear the brunt, with Met Éireann warning of wave overtopping, storm surge and tidal flooding during high tides.

The Irish Coast Guard is repeating its advice to “stay back, stay high, stay dry”.

ESB Networks is reminding people to stay well away from any fallen electricity wires and report them to 1800 372 999. Uisce Éireann says customers should monitor its website, social media or 24-hour helpline for updates.

Councils preparing for disruption

Local authorities across the south and west say preparations will continue into tonight.

Waterford City and County Council has described Storm Bram as a “multi-hazard event”, warning of damaging winds and potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas.

Flood-defence barriers will be raised from 5pm in Waterford city and in Passage East, while Tramore Promenade will be closed. Car parks in Dungarvan (including Davitt’s Quay, the Pond, the Lookout and Castle Street) will shut this evening due to tidal risk.

Sandbags will be available to the public, and homeless services have activated severe-weather protocols.

Cork County Council is cautioning of hazardous coastal conditions, with the possibility of wave overtopping in exposed areas.

While Corkmas and other city-centre Christmas events are not scheduled for Tuesdays, officials say strong winds may still affect installations such as the ferris wheel and will issue updates as needed.

People are being urged not to park near seafronts or piers where water levels may rise.

In Kerry, access to Rossbeigh Beach has already been closed for safety reasons, with residents advised to avoid coastal edges entirely during periods of high winds and high tides.

The county expects debris, fallen branches and difficult driving conditions from early morning.

🚫ORANGE warning #StormBram ⚠️

Due to likelihood of wave overtopping on Tuesday vehicular access to #Rossbeigh beach/car park is now CLOSED in the interest of public safety

Members of the public are advised to avoid parking near coasts on Tuesday@radiokerrynews @NuachtBnG pic.twitter.com/EiUKJrI5oN

— Kerry County Council - Comhairle Contae Chiarraí (@countykerry) December 8, 2025

The Status Orange wind warning will be in place for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo between 10am and 6pm, and for Cork, Kerry, Wexford and Waterford from 7am to 11am.

The Irish Coast Guard has reiterated its advice to the public to “stay back, stay high, stay dry”.

ESB Networks is reminding people to stay well clear of any fallen electricity wires and to report them immediately to its emergency line on 1800 372 999, while Uisce Éireann is asking customers to monitor its website, social media or its 24-hour helpline for updates.