We may be enjoying mild enough weather this Christmas, in that so far, there is no Big Freeze or a manic news report coming from the west, however, this Friday could change that, as Storm Barbara is on its way to Ireland.

Met Eireann has issued a status orange wind warning for coastal regions and high ground in Donegal, Galway and Mayo.

There will be southerly winds, later west to southwest, of 65 to 75 km/h, while there will also be severe gusts reaching between 100 and 120 km/h.

A status yellow wind warning is in place for the rest of the country with winds set to reach 50 to 65 km/h with gusts between 90 and 110 km/h, strongest on exposed coasts.

So make sure you get your Christmas shopping and the like in by Friday, or else Babs will have it.