Rain warning issued for south west of Ireland ahead of Storm Gerrit

A status orange rain warning has been issued for the south west of Ireland as the island braces for the arrival of Storm Gerrit.

The warning covering Kerry and west Cork comes into effect at 8pm on Tuesday and will be in place throughout Wednesday, lifting at midnight.

Met Eireann said very heavy rain is expected overnight on Tuesday with intense heavy showers on Wednesday.

“Localised flooding is possible,” said the forecaster.

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A status yellow warning for wind and rain will be in operation for the rest of the country over the same time period.

Heavy rainfall is forecast overnight on Tuesday with heavy showers on Wednesday.

Met Eireann again warned of the potential for localised flooding for those areas covered by the yellow warning.

Strong southerly winds are forecast overnight on Tuesday, veering to south westerly on Wednesday.

Met Eireann said the strong winds combined with spring tides may lead to coastal flooding in places.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland has urged road users to exercise caution when travelling while the warnings are in place.

In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a yellow wind and rain warning covering the entire region from 2am to 10am on Wednesday morning.

The UK forecaster said some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport was likely while the flooding of some homes and businesses was possible.

It also raised the possibility of short-term loss of power and other services in some areas.