Schools across county Armagh will remain closed tomorrow (Tuesday) to avoid any potential risk to children.
The Department of Education has advised that all schools remain closed on Tuesday, October 17.
This latest advice follows a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group at which all central, local and public sector organisations are represented.
The group has taken advice from the Met Office on the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm and a decision was taken to advise schools to remain closed.
WATCH: Armagh Patrick Hughes in Tramore, Waterford
#ophelia live from Tramore #ireland….. severe weather
Posted by Patrick Hughes Photography & Video on Monday, October 16, 2017
Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary said: “I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.”
School principals should check their school email accounts for a message from the Permanent Secretary of the Department.
More than 1,000 homes are without power in county Armagh this afternoon as storm Ophelia continues to batter the country.
Markethill is the worst affected area with 468 homes in the area currently experiencing a power outage.
There are 438 homes in the Portadown area without electricity while areas of Lurgan and Tandragee have also been affected. Read more here.
