Storm Babet: Heavy rain and ‘blustery’ winds to hit island of Ireland

Heavy rain and “blustery” winds are expected in the coming days as Storm Babet is due to hit the island of Ireland.

A Status Orange rain warning for counties Cork and Waterford and a Status Yellow rain warning for counties Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford come into force for 24 hours from 6am on Tuesday.

A Status Yellow rain warning is also to come into effect for all five Connacht counties from noon on Tuesday until noon on Wednesday.

Irish forecaster Met Eireann has warned that the heavy and at times thundery rain will bring a risk of flooding, poor visibility and difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for counties Antrim, Armagh and Down, which is valid from 6am on Wednesday until noon on Thursday.

The forecaster has also warned that the first wave of rain will affect Northern Ireland, Wales and south-west England in particular.

“Storm Babet will bring a prolonged period of heavy rain to parts of Northern Ireland from early Wednesday into Thursday,” it said.

There is a small risk of extensive flooding to homes and businesses, and where flooding does occur, road closures and disruption to public transport services are “likely”.