Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange weather warning for rain tomorrow (Saturday, October 5) in Co. Waterford.

The national forecaster has warned of very heavy and persistent rain in the county, with the highest accumulations expected in mountainous areas.

The warning will come into force from midday on Saturday and is due to remain in place for 12 hours.

The heavy rain may lead to river and coastal flooding, dangerous travelling conditions and travel disruption.

Met Éireann

The latest warning follows a similar alert issued for counties Cork and Kerry which will be in place from midnight on Saturday (October 5) until 11:00p.m on Sunday (October 6).

A Status Yellow rain warning has also been issued for Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo on Saturday.

The heavy and persistent rain may cause localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions in these counties.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann has said that rainfall amounts for the coming week will be higher than average for the majority of the country, up to 230% of the average expected to fall in Cork.

However, it will be slightly drier than typical in parts of the north midlands and northwest.

In the week ahead mean air temperatures will increase to between 11 and 12°, which is 1° above normal for this time of year. Mean soil temperatures will remain near normal or slightly above.

Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) are currently between 5 and 25mm for most areas, with soils in the northwest, north midlands and near the south coast closer to saturation.

Met Éireann said that due to the rain and showers over the weekend and next week, it is anticipated that SMDs will decrease across the country.