The south and southeast continue to bear the brunt of tonight's severe weather, with parts of Cork and Waterford flooded.
Many parts of Cork city centre are flooded, and gardaí are advising people to avoid the area.
The Coastguard team based at Crosshaven in Cork, have rescued six people from their bungalow in the area.
The house was flooded to a depth of eight feet, and a 77-year-old woman was among those trapped.
The fire service has been concentrating its efforts on the Lower Glanmire Road where a number of cars were engulfed in the flood waters.
Cork County Council is warning residents and business people in the area to take precautions against possible heavy flooding in the early hours of the morning.
In Cork county, Carrigaline and Passage West remain badly affected and there has been considerable flood damage in both areas.
Gardaí are also warning motorists to avoid the quay in Waterford because of severe flooding, where water levels are said to be receding slowly.
There has also been considerable flood damage outside the city in Dungarvan, Passage East, Dunmore East and other coastal towns and villages. Water levels of up to five feet are reported.
Elsewhere, planes have been diverted and ferries cancelled as storms, predicted by Met Éireann to be the worst this year, have begun to take their toll.
Four planes due to land at Cork were diverted to Shannon and Kerry airports this morning and an Aer Arann aircraft which was due to fly from Cork to Edinbugh was forced to turn back because of the adverse weather conditions.
This afternoon's Dublin to Liverpool Seacat sailing and tonight's Cork to Swansea ferry have been cancelled.
Irish Ferries have cancelled their Pembroke to Rosslare sailing and their Cherbourg to Rosslare sailing until the storm abates.
A spokesperson for the ESB says if anyone has problems with their supply they should ring 1850 372 999, and he warned people to treat all electrical appliances as live during a disruption.
Most fishing boats on the south, east and west coasts are now in as the gale force winds intensify.
Structural damage and flooding expected
Met Éireann is warning that some structural damage and flooding can be expected in parts.
They say that at times, wind gusts will reach between 70 to 80 mph - with as much as 80mm of rain.
The wind will make the accompanying rain appear all the heavier and high tides along the east of the country mean an increased risk of flooding.
Some respite can be expected tomorrow with the wind and rain gradually easing off after a rough night.
The Health and Safety Authority has issued a warning to farmers and those working in the building industry to take extra precautions.
The National Safety Council is advising motorists to travel only if necessary and to watch out for falling debris on the roads.
