Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning - its second highest category of alert - for all coastal counties including and between Donegal and Clare.
Gusts of up to 130km/h are forecast and high waves may result in coastal flooding.
A less severe wind warning for Munster, Leinster, Cavan and Roscommon has also been issued.
Rain and hail showers are also forecast with a risk of sleet or snow on higher ground in the west and north of the country.
Over 2,000 homes are without power in Westport, Co Mayo this morning.
A spokesperson for the ESB said it is investigating whether the problem is a result of stormy conditions overnight.
More than 300 homes are without power after last night's high winds, with Glenties in Co Donegal the worst affected area.
Around 800 homes were affected after power lines were damaged, but power has been restored to around 500 homes this morning.
Motorists have been urged to drive with care and be aware of fallen trees or debris on the roads, particularly on secondary roads.
AA Roadwatch says the N16 Sligo to Manorhamilton road is down to one lane at the junction with Drum because of a fallen tree.
P&O Ferries said its Larne and Cairnryan services are operating with delays of up to two hours and further disruptions are likely due to adverse conditions.
Severe gusts were recorded in the west overnight with storm force ten winds recorded at Malin Head early this morning.
No flooding after high tide in Salthill this am. Strong winds persisting across the west but no major issues so far. pic.twitter.com/mtmgbLIJZv
— Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) December 10, 2014Send your weather photos to yourphotos@rte.ie or @rtenews
Parts of UK braced for 'weather bomb'
A so-called "weather bomb" is set to bring storm force winds to Scotland and northern parts of England and Wales today.
Fifteen flood warnings and 12 flood alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
The process behind the storm - rapid cyclogenesis, known as a "weather bomb" - is a deep low pressure system moving between Scotland and Iceland.
AMBER severe weather warning for #wind has been issued. Stay #weatheraware at http://t.co/ziqeF98g9I pic.twitter.com/8XwNmb9nMD
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 9, 2014For the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland, the Met Office has upgraded its warning to amber "be prepared" status.
People have been warned to expect dangerous conditions, especially along causeways and coastal roads exposed to the west.
