ALERT: Warnings issued as Met Éireann predicts 'significant and impactful weather' events

Weather warnings have been issued for three counties in the west and north west as Met Eireann is  predicting "significant and impactful weather" across the country later this week.

The forecaster says a series of low pressure centres are currently developing out in the Atlantic Ocean - the first of which is expected to pass over the country this Tuesday followed by another more significant area of low pressure on New Year's Day.

Met Eireann Meteorologist Mark Bowe commented: “The low moving over on Tuesday will bring significant winds to the north west but rain will be widespread and rather heavy at times too which could lead to spot flooding.”

He added that the weather on Wednesday (New Year's Day) will prove to be a lot more significant with more rain and very strong and blustery winds for all areas.

"We are currently tracking the development of the low pressure system expected for Wednesday with potentially some very impactful winds across western and southern areas,” he said.

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A status yellow wind warning for Donegal, Galway and Mayo will come into effect at midnight tonight with Met Éireann warning of "strong to gale force and gusty southwest winds" until 11am on Tuesday.

A separate status yellow rain warning for Donegal will be valid from 11am this Monday with heavy spells of rain likely at times.