Storm Bert: Met Éireann issues red warning for heavy rain in two counties

Met Éireann has issued a status red warning for heavy rain in Galway and Cork as Storm Bert is expected to cause major disruption this weekend.

The severe weather warning will be in place from midnight until 10am on Saturday, with highest rainfall accumulations expected in west Galway and west Cork.

The national weather agency said people should expect severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses and dangerous travelling conditions.

It said a status red severe weather warning is rarely issued but when it is, people in the areas expected to be affected should take action to protect themselves and their properties.

A status orange warning will be in place during the same period in Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.

Met Éireann said Storm Bert will cause intense rainfalls over a short period of time, leading to surface flooding, possible river flooding, very difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

A nationwide yellow warning for wind and rain will be in place from Friday night until 12pm on Saturday, along with a specific warning for snow and rain in Donegal.

Storm Bert is a low-pressure system that will displace the cold Arctic air that brought snow and ice to many parts of the country on Thursday, and instead introduce very strong winds and heavy rain.

The main impacts are expected on Saturday and Sunday, but there is the potential for lasting impacts into early next week.

Met Éireann meteorologist Andrew Doran-Sherlock said: "Storm Bert will bring milder but very wet and windy conditions for the weekend.

"Heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday will likely lead to localised flooding in urban areas and some river catchments, particularly in the west and southwest, as this rain is falling on already saturated and waterlogged ground.

He added: "The impacts from Storm Bert will commence later on Friday and will continue through the weekend and potentially through early next week as well."