Alert: Status Orange wind warning issued for four counties as rain and wind sweeps country

A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for four counties in the west and southwest by Met Éireann.

The warning for counties Cork, Kerry, Clare and Galway comes into effect at 3pm and remains in place until midnight.

Met Éireann has warned of strong to gale force westerly winds. The forecaster has said that coupled with spring tides, coastal flooding is likely.

A Status Yellow wind and rain warning is also in place for the entire country until midnight.

The national forecaster warns of strong and gusty southwesterly winds in conjunction with spring tides, which may lead to coastal flooding.

Squally showers, with a chance of thunderstorms, may lead to localised flooding, according to Met Éireann.