A previous Status Yellow weather warning for rain associated with the first storm of the season, Storm Austen, has now been upgraded to Status Orange.

One Status Orange rain warning comes into effect tomorrow night (Thursday, October 22) at 10:00p.m for counties Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

This weather warning will then remain in place until 5:00a.m on Friday, October 23.

Met Éireann has also issued a new Status Orange rain warning for counties Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow.

It has forecast intense rain associated with Storm Austen which could have serious impacts.

Such impacts may include:

Disruption and delays to public transport (rail, bus);
Flooding;
Very difficult travelling conditions.

That Status Orange rain warning comes into effect on Friday (October 23) at 2:00a.m and will remain in place until 8:00a.m on Friday.

Weather warnings

Meanwhile, there is also a Status Yellow rain and wind warning for Ireland from Thursday evening at 7:00p.m until Friday at 10:00a.m.

Heavy rain associated with Storm Austen will spread eastwards across the country.

Strong easterly winds will back north-westerly and strengthen further, especially in the south and south-east, according to Met Éireann.

The public is advised to be aware of potential impacts:

Difficult travelling conditions;
Localised flooding possible;
Outdoor events impacted;
Debris, loose objects displaced;
Some fallen trees, branches.

Weather forecast

As Storm Austen approaches, very heavy rain will develop in the southwest during tomorrow, Thursday afternoon, extending north-eastwards during the evening hours.

Localised flooding is possible, especially in Munster and Leinster.

Light to moderate east to north-east winds will strengthen later too.

It will be very wet and windy across southern counties during the evening with highest temperatures of 10°C to 14°.

Thursday night will be very wet and windy, stormy even in the southeast.

Widespread heavy and persistent rain will affect much of the country with some flooding expected across southern and eastern counties.

Isolated thunderstorms will occur too. Cyclonic variable winds will veer north-west and further strengthen overnight, reaching gale force in places.

Lowest temperatures will range from 5° to 8° overnight on Thursday.

On Friday, lingering wet and windy weather will clear eastern counties by around mid-morning.

Sunshine and well scattered blustery showers elsewhere will follow for the rest of the day, mainly affecting western counties.

Highest temperatures of 9° to 13° are forecast for Friday. Fresh and gusty north-west winds will moderate before evening.