The Garda Retired Post would like to pay tribute to those who sadly lost loved ones yesterday.

Clare O’ Neill (58) died after the car she was driving in Co Waterford was struck by a tree around 11.40am on Monday.

Michael Pyke (31) attempted to clear a fallen tree with a chainsaw. According to gardaí, another tree collapsed on him and he fell onto the chainsaw. The tragic death occurred near Cahir in Co Tipperary at around 12.30pm.

Fintan Goss was killed when his car was struck by a tree in the Ravensdale area of Dundalk in Co Louth. The man was in his 30s.

Around 245,000 homes and businesses are without power today as a result of Ex Hurricane Ophelia while schools remain closed and certain public transport remain cancelled.

In the aftermath of Storm Ophelia, here’s the national weather forecast for Ireland this week by Met Éireann:

Today

Today is forecast to be cool and bright with sunny spells. Some well scattered showers are expected. Highest temperatures are to range between 11 to 14 degrees.

Tonight is due to be dry and clear with patches of mist and fog developing in almost calm conditions. Outbreaks of rain will start later in the night along the south coast. Lowest temperature of 3 to 6 degrees.

Tomorrow

Cloudy tomorrow with outbreaks of showery rain slowly spreading northwards during the day. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees.

Tomorrow night will begin with some patchy rain early on but will become heavier later. Lowest temperatures 9 to 12 degrees.

Thursday

A wet and rather windy start with heavy falls of rain in places. Staying wet for much of the day with spot flooding. Southeast winds will be fresh and gusty, with strong and gusty winds up along the eastern counties. Highest temperatures 12 to 15 degrees.

Wet overnight with cyclonic variable winds, still strong in parts.

Friday

A mostly dry calm start with some sunny spells. Wet and windy weather will however move up from the southwest through the afternoon, affecting all areas by nightfall. Cool, with highest temperatures ranging from 12 to 14 degrees.

This Weekend

Heavy rain is expected with brisk west to northwest winds. Sunny intervals too though. Cool with highest temperatures 11 to 14 degrees Celsius.