ALERT: First winter storm named as Met Eireann issues weather warning for Limerick
Storm Amy has been named as the first storm of the season and is expected to develop rapidly as it approaches Ireland later this week
Forecasters in the UK have named the weather system which could bring storm-level weather conditions to Ireland this week.
Limerick has been issued a Status Yellow rain warning from 6 am until 8 pm on Thursday October 2.
Other counties issued with the same warning include Cavan, Donegal, the rest of Munster, Connacht, and Longford.
The UK Met Office says Storm Amy will bring "very strong winds" to the UK on Friday, along with "heavy rain".
A number of weather warnings have been issued across the United Kingdom and Met Éireann is expected to update its forecast for the Republic of Ireland throughout the day.
They have warned the likely impacts will be localised flooding possible, difficult travelling conditions and blocked drains.
Met Eireann have warned: "This will bring heavy rainfall tomorrow with strong winds expected on Friday. A number of warnings will be issued today, with updates as certainty increases."
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree, said: “Although there is still some uncertainty about the exact track Storm Amy will take, the system will bring gale force winds across northern and western regions, with gusts widely reaching 50 to 60 miles per hour inland in northern Britain, and potentially reaching 70 to 80 miles per hour in places. With even stronger gusts on exposed coasts and hills, mainly in the northwest.
He continued: “Heavy rainfall is also expected, in particularly over western Scotland, where totals could exceed 30-50 mm in 6-9 hours, increasing the risk of localised flooding. Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear, therefore it is important to keep an eye forecast for your area over the coming days.”
The UK Met Office has highlighted the possibility for disruption to transport, power supplies, and outdoor activities, especially from Friday evening into Saturday due to the effects of Storm Amy.