Storm Agnes will now last longer amid updated Met Éireann warnings

Storm Agnes will now batter Ireland for longer this Wednesday evening amid updated Met Éireann warnings.

Originally, Met Éireann released an orange warning Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford that ended at 5pm on Wednesday but that has been extended to 7pm.

It warns of "very strong and gusty southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts" and the potential for "coastal flooding, difficult travel conditions, power outages and fallen trees."

Gusts of 117km/h have already been detected at Sherkin Island while a roof was blown off a building in Youghal, Co Cork earlier.

There is a Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 7am to midnight on Wednesday.

Finally, a Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Leinster, Munster and Galway during the same time period.

"Becoming very windy on Wednesday with very strong and gusty southerly winds, veering westerly later on," Met Éireann added.

In their latest forecast, the national forecaster continued: "Storm Agnes will track northeastwards over Ireland today with disruption likely in places. It will be wet and very windy with strong to gale force southeast winds, veering westerly later in the day.

"Becoming extremely windy or stormy for a time in the east and south with the potential for severe and damaging gusts. Strong onshore winds and high seas will bring the risk of coastal flooding on eastern and southern coasts. Heavy rain extending nationwide through the morning with the likelihood of some localised flooding. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.

"Staying windy for a time tonight with strong and gusty westerly winds gradually easing as Storm Agnes clears towards Scotland. Outbreaks of heavy rain in the northeast will give way to a mix of clear spells and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees."