Met Éireann has upgraded to Status Orange its weather warning for rainfall in the southwest tomorrow (Wednesday, March 13).
The national forecaster said that there will be persistent rain, heavy at times, in counties Cork and Kerry, which will be accompanied by strong onshore winds, high tides, and elevated river levels.
The adverse conditions will lead to flooding, wave overtopping and difficult travelling conditions.
The warning will be valid from midday on Wednesday until midday on Thursday (March 14).
There is currently a Status Yellow rain warning in place for the counties with heavy falls expected at times today (Tuesday, March 12).
A Status Yellow rainfall warning has also been issued for Co. Waterford where there is a risk of localised flooding. This warning will also come into force for 24 hours from midday tomorrow.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has asked road users to exercise caution while using the roads on Wednesday and Thursday.
The authority is advising road users in affected areas to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.
Met Éireann
Met Éireann has said that the weather will be unsettled for the coming week with some cloudy and wet spells expected and just occasional drier and sunnier periods.
Rainfall totals over the next seven days will be above normal with around 20-60mm forecast generally, which is around 1.5 to 2.5 times the weekly average in March.
The cooler temperatures will give way to milder conditions by midweek, while mean soil temperatures will continue above average.
Drying conditions will often be moderate or poor with rain or showers on most days and opportunities for spraying will generally be limited.
All soils are currently close to saturated with most poorly drained soils either waterlogged or close to it.
There will be some slight improvement in soil conditions over the coming days in the north and northwest but further deterioration will occur from midweek.