Woman killed by falling tree in Republic
A woman has died after a tree fell on her car as hurricane-force winds from Storm Ophelia batter Ireland and the UK.
Last updated 16th Oct 2017
The motorist, in her 50s, was driving close to the village of Aglish in Waterford, Ireland, when she was killed.
A female passenger in her mid 70s has been taken to Waterford Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries.
The accident happened at around 11:40 this morning.
Emergency services are still at the scene.
Weather conditions in West Waterford and Waterford city are currently described as severe and reports of numerous falling trees due to high winds.
Meanwhile, scores of homes were without power, schools closed early, trees fell onto roads and bridges were shut.
Remnants of the hurricane battered Britain's west coast on Monday afternoon, with gusts of up to 80mph, exactly 30 years after the Great Storm of 1987 killed 18 people.
Ireland was hit by the worst of the weather, with schools closed and around 130 flights cancelled at Dublin airport.
Schools and colleges were closed in Northern Ireland, which is covered with an amber weather warning, meaning there is a potential risk to life and property'', issued when forecasters believe people need to be prepared to change their plans and protect themselves from the impacts of severe weather.
The storm is expected to move across Wales, northern England and Scotland into Tuesday.
Forecasters are warning of flying debris, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as large waves around coastal districts with beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
In Ireland, Met Eireann has issued a status red'' weather alert for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry, warning of severe winds and stormy conditions.
Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said that while storms with these wind speeds tend to happen at this time of year, the one on its way is quite a substantial system'', adding that he would describe it aspretty exceptional''