While West Cork residents woke up to the familiar howl of a winter gale today, the true ferocity of Storm Chandra has surprisingly bypassed the Rebel County’s western coastline, saving its most destructive energy for the East and North.

Across West Cork, the morning was characterised by 'heavy and persistent' rain and status yellow winds that made the school run a challenge and left roughly 20,000 ESB customers across the country - including many in the Cork region - without power.

However, as the storm tracked northwards, it was the eastern seaboard and Northern Ireland that found themselves in the eye of the literal and metaphorical storm.

The worst of the wind is expected to pass by 11:00 PM tonight, but the danger isn't over.

As the storm swings back around, additional outbreaks of rain are expected.

With rivers already at bank-full capacity, even a lighter hit in West Cork could lead to sudden localised flooding.