• Winds of up to 130kmh are set to batter the country
• Storm could pose a 'risk to life and property', according to forecasters
• Met Éireann issue a Status Orange warning for 13 counties ahead of its arrival tonight
• 'We are advising people to avoid coastal areas during this event' - forecaster
• Road Safety Authority urges drivers to exercise extreme caution
• Galway City Council roll out their 'aquadam' this morning ahead of stormy conditions

Winds of up to 130kmh are set to batter the country as Storm Callum becomes the latest to reach Ireland - and could pose a "risk to life and property", according to forecasters.

Coastal counties are being advised to batten down the hatches with Met Éireann issuing a Status Orange warning for 13 counties ahead of its arrival tonight.

The forecaster has advised people to stay away from exposed coastal areas for the duration of the warning, which will come into place from 10pm tonight in places.

"An orange level warning is issued by Met Éireann for wind speeds with the capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions which may constitute a risk to life and property," the forecaster said.

Speaking this morning, Met Éireann meteorologist Harm Luijkz said tonight is to become "very windy as Storm Callum arrives".

"There will be storm force or gale force gusts, which can be severe or damaging.

Heavy rain over Munster and Connacht will spread to Ulster and Leinster this morning. A clearance will soon follow from the southwest and the afternoon will be mainly dry with sunny spells. Afternoon temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees. 

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 11, 2018

"We have issued orange warnings for the coastal counties, and yellow warnings for the inland counties.

"There will be rain later tonight and, combined with winds and high tides, there is a risk of coastal flooding.

"We are advising people to avoid coastal areas during this event."