A STATUS ORANGE rain warning has been issued for Counties Cork and Kerry coming into effect early tomorrow, adding to a Status Yellow wind warning for western counties that will come into effect later today.

Met Éireann issued the rain warning this morning. It will come into effect at 3am tomorrow morning and last until 6pm. 

The forecaster warned about significant rainfall accumulations, especially on high ground, with the highest totals expected in Kerry and West Cork. Expected impacts includes significant river and surface water flooding, hazardous travelling conditions, and poor visibility.

The Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Donegal, and Connacht will come into effect at 6pm this evening, and is due to last until midnight on Sunday evening, with spells of heavy rain forecast.

A separate rain warning for Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford will come into effect on midnight on Sunday and last until 3am on Monday.

In general, the weather will begin dry today, with some sunny spells, but rain will gradually spread eastwards this afternoon, turning heavier in the west and southwest later this evening.

Winds will pick up and it will be wet and blustery tonight, with widespread outbreaks of rain and drizzle.

“The rain will be heavy at times, particularly towards the morning in the southwest, west and northwest. Mild with lowest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees and fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds,” the forecaster said.

It will continue wet and blustery tomorrow morning, with widespread outbreaks of rain, turning heavy at times, especially in the south and west.

“With high river levels and saturated soils, river and surface water flooding are likely, particularly in the south and west,” the forecaster said.