Waterford added to status orange weather alert as 'dangerous ...
The status orange rain warning that was issued for Cork and Kerry has been extended for Waterford - with Met Éireann saying flooding is a risk on Saturday.
The warning is in place for the entire day on Saturday for Cork and Kerry, and from midday until midnight for Waterford.
Met Éireann is warning of "very heavy and persistent rain, with highest accumulations in mountainous areas".
The possible impacts include river and coastal flooding, dangerous travelling conditions and travel disruption.
A status yellow rain warning is also in place for Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Mayo and Galway, with the alert in place for the same time as the orange warning.
Heavy and persistent rain will be seen in those counties on Saturday with impacts including localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met on Friday afternoon to discuss the potential for "tidal flooding" in parts of West Cork.
"Cork County Council crews have mobilised and continue to inspect key high-risk areas. Crews will be operating throughout the weekend and will continue to monitor the situation,"
"Pumping arrangements will be in place in known problem locations. Sandbags have been deployed to priority locations,"
"Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving,"
National outlook
Met Éireann has predicted that Friday night will be "mild and wet overnight with widespread rain" which may turn heavy in some areas and lead to localised flooding. Temperatures on Friday night will only fall back to around 11C to 15C with occasionally fresh, south or southeast winds.
Saturday is expected to be wet and breezy with showery outbreaks of rain, which will be heavy at times. Amid the status yellow warning, Met Éireann says localised flooding is likely, especially especially in Cork, Kerry and Waterford. Highest temperatures on Saturday will range from 14C to 17C.
Saturday night will be wet at first with widespread outbreaks of showery rain, though this will gradually become confined to the north and east by early morning. Thereafter, drier and clearer conditions will begin moving in from the southwest. Temperatures Saturday night will range from 9C to 13C.
On Sunday, Met Éireann says that the last of the lingering cloud and rain will clear the north and east in the morning giving way to a day of sunny spells and scattered showers, with the heaviest and most persistent rain likely to be seen the south and west.
Temperatures on Sunday will be slightly warmer than previous days, at around the 15C to 18C mark.
WEATHER CENTRE
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are. Rainfall and temperature charts are also available.
