'This is not the remnants of a hurricane, this IS a hurricane' - Red weather warning extended nationwide as Hurricane Ophelia barrels in

Red weather warning nationwidePublic urged not to travel and stay homeEmployers asked to give employees clarificationForecaster Evelyn Cusack: Weather event almost unprecedented for this countryAll schools and colleges to closeSchools told to close, and ESB on alert with winds of more than 130km/h expected Monday

Pictured getting ready for hurricane Ophelia at Courtmacsherry Bay West Cork was Martin Galvin and his son Adam. Their seaside home at Lobster Cottage sits in Courtmacsherry Bay with County Cork expected to be among the worst effected counties. Picture Denis Boyle

Luke Byrne and Mary McDonnell

HURRICANE Ophelia will be the most severe weather event to his this country since Hurricane Debbie hit in 1961 - resulting in 15 deaths - Met Eireann has warned.

This evening Met Eireann confirmed that a red weather warning has been extended nationwide.