Storm Amy brings weather warnings to entire island of Ireland

Several counties will fall under an orange-level weather warning as Storm Amy barrels towards the island of Ireland.

It comes on top of yellow-level warnings which will apply to all counties at some points across Thursday and Friday.

Met Eireann meteorologist Ailis Hankinson said Storm Amy will bring wet and very windy conditions on Friday, preceded by a band of heavy rain on Thursday.

She said: “It is the first storm of the season so it’s essential to be prepared for potential impacts caused by the strong winds and the rain.

“There could be difficult travelling conditions, loose objects or flying debris.

“Trees are still in leaf at this time of the year, so there could be higher impacts from fallen trees and leaves blocking drains, causing localised flooding.

“Small, upland river catchments are the most at risk of flooding, so precautions for potential localised flooding in these areas are also important.”

A Status Yellow rain warning is in place for all of Connacht and Munster, as well as Donegal, Cavan and Longford between 6am and 8pm on Thursday.

The worst of the rain during that period is expected to be in Kerry, which is also under a Status Orange rain warning through that window, with flooding and very difficult travelling conditions expected.

There is significant risk of flooding elsewhere in the south west, particularly in mountainous areas of west Cork and west Limerick due to heavy rainfall on Thursday.

Additional rainfall is forecast for Friday, further increasing river levels.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for Connacht until 2pm, carrying the risk of possible lightning damage.

A nationwide Status Yellow wind warning will come into for all of the Republic of Ireland between midday and midnight on Friday.

Irish forecasting agency Met Eireann said potential impacts include fallen trees, flying debris and difficult travelling conditions.

There could be gale force winds in the north west, with five counties coming under a more severe Status Orange wind warning.

Those in Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo are additionally warned of possible wave overtopping and possible power outages.

Along the coast, there is also a Status Red Storm warning from Loop Head to Rossan Point to Fair Head between 2pm and 8pm on Friday.

In Northern Ireland, a Yellow wind warning is in place for the entire region between 4pm on Friday and 6am on Saturday.

The UK Met Office said Storm Amy is expected to bring a spell of strong winds to Northern Ireland during Friday and Friday night.

Westerly winds will pick up during the afternoon, peaking during the evening with gusts of 50 to 60 mph likely for many areas and could reach 60 to 70 mph for a time.

Exposed coasts and hills will see the highest gusts which could exceed 70mph.

The Met Office said there is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs while transport delays are likely.

It also warned there is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

It further warned of a small chance of injuries and danger to life from large waves and flying debris.