Gusts up to 120km/h recorded in Galway tonight

A gust of more than 118km/h was recorded at Mace Head off Galway tonight as Storm Desmond batters the west coast.

The 118.5km/h gust was recorded at around 7pm. Since then, they have been peaking at just under 110km/h.

Average winds speeds at the moment (9.30pm) are 76km/h, and they are expected to increase over the next hour.

Rainfalls of in excess of 100mm are expected in the Connemara area, with more than 70mm expected elsewhere across Galway.

Gardai have repeated their warning that only essential journeys should be made by motorists, and cyclists and pedestrians should stay off the roads.

There are reports reports of flooding and surface water on roads in Barna, Spiddal, Cornamona, Salthill, Craughwell, Loughrea, Kiltullagh, Tuam, Portumna, Ardrahan and elsewhere.

There are also reports of branches down on the Tuam-Kilmaine Road at Kilbannon. Emergency services at the scene.

A fallen pole at Victoria Place off Eyre Square earlier this evening has been moved.

Traffic cones from roadworks near Luimnagh on the Headford Road have blown across the road and posing a hazard.

The Status Orange wind warning remains in place until 6pm on Saturday, while the Status Red rain warning is in place until 3am on Sunday.