Met Éireann issues new warnings as Storm Babet causes severe flooding

MET Éireann has issued status orange rain warnings for Wexford and Wicklow while a separate status orange warning for Waterford has been extended until 4pm.

The national forecaster updated its warnings this lunchtime as the weather system associated with Storm Babet makes its away across the country.

The status orange weather warnings for Wexford and Wicklow take effect from 2pm and will remain valid until 8pm this Wednesday.

The heavy rainfall on the south coast over the last 36 hours has resulted in significant flooding in places and motorists in Cork, Kerry and Waterford are being urged to exercise caution.

A number of local rivers have burst their banks and some roads across all three counties have been closed as they are impassable.

Emergency services and local authority crews have been dispatched.

Meanwhile, status yellow rain warnings, which remain in place most counties in Ireland, are due to expire later this Wednesday evening.