Updated 6pm

THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS of flooding all along the west coast of Ireland as Storm Desmond continues to batter the country.

AA Roadwatch has warned of flooding in Donegal, Kerry, Galway, Clare, Sligo and Mayo.

This evening gardaí have said the N59 Bellmullet to Ballina road in Mayo, through Crossmolina, is “completely impassable” due to the River Deel bursting its banks. Severe flooding is reported throughout the area. Gardaí are advising motorists to avoid the area completely tonight.

Clare County Council is reporting “extensive flooding” across the county with numerous roads closed to traffic due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Tom Tiernan, senior engineer with the council said a number of tributaries, streams and rivers have overflowed.

We are advising members of the public to avoid all travel other than when necessary while Met Éireann’s red alert remains in place.

He added that the flooding situation on the county’s road network is unlikely to improve until overnight and during tomorrow.