Storm Eowyn LIVE – RECORD 183kph gusts hit with schools off & flights axed as Ireland braces for worst storm in decades

STORM Eowyn pummelled Ireland from the early hours with record-breaking 183kph gusts – as the nation braced for what could be the most severe weather event in decades.

Status Red weather warnings have already kicked in for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Clare, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

And red level warnings will be in place nationwide by 7am after a new strongest ever gust record for Ireland of 183kph was recorded at Mace Head in Galway.

Close to 200,000 homes and businesses are already without power, with schools closed nationwide, public transport shut down and hundreds of flights cancelled.

“Historic” Storm Eowyn has already broken records amid fears it could even bring tornadoes, with a new Irish mean speed record for sustained gusts set at Mace Head at 4am of 135kph beating the previous record of 131kph from January 1945.