DUBLIN: Ireland was being hit by an "unprecedented storm" on Monday that left 100,000 homes and businesses without power and every school in the country shut as authorities warned that lives could be in danger, reports AFP.

Ophelia, the largest hurricane ever recorded so far east in the Atlantic Ocean and the furthest north since 1939, was downgraded to a storm before it hit the Irish coast but nonetheless posed enough of a threat for the Met Eireann national weather service to issue a red alert.

"Ex-hurricane Ophelia is forecast to track directly over Ireland," the service said.

"Violent and destructive gusts are forecast with all areas at risk." It warned that "heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding. There is a danger to life and property". Wind speeds hit 176 kilometres (109 miles) per hour at Fastnet Rock, Ireland's most southerly point, while the fastest speeds recorded onshore were 156 kph (97 mph) at the entrance to Cork Harbour in the southwest.

Dublin Airport scrapped around 130 flights; Cork Airport cancelled most flights in what it said was the worst storm seen in its 56-year history, while several services to and from Shannon, the third-biggest airport, were also grounded.

Speed restrictions were placed on trains, and some lines in the south were cancelled.

"Stay indoors wherever you are until the storm has passed. Check on your neighbours and elderly relatives," Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters.

"It is coming your way and this is a national red alert.

"Even after the storm has passed there will still be dangers. There will be trees on the ground and power lines down."