Flooding in several areas as country braced for more storms

Motorists are being warned to take care on the roads today as Met Éireann predicts a deterioration in weather conditions, with heavy rain and gale force winds expected to sweep across the country over the weekend.

Flooding has already been reported in several areas and 25-30mm of rain is forecast to fall in many parts of the country today with wintry showers expected later this evening .

Hazardous driving conditions are expected as sharp ground frost sets in overnight with temperatures predicted to fall to between 2 and minus 2 degrees.

A yellow weather warning issued this morning by Met Éireann remains in force but will be replaced overnight with a status orange weather warning as conditions deteriorate.

Orange weather warnings are issued for weather conditions which have the capacity to have a significant impact on people in affected areas. Damage could include closed bridges, interruptions to power supply and widespread debris such as slates dislodged from roofs.

Gale force winds, predicted to reach up to 130km/h, along with heavy rain and higher than normal coastal tides will put Atlantic coasts under threat of flooding as the status orange warning comes into effect.

AA Roadwatch has said roads are very wet in many parts of the country with a lot of excess surface water reported. Gardaí­ have warned motorists to exercise caution, urging drivers to use their lights and to make sure they have enough time to stop.

In Co Kerry, flooding has been reported on the N86 Tralee/ Dingle Road at Annagh and surface water has been reported on the on the N20 Cork/Limerick Road northbound after the turnoff for Waterloo. Spot flooding has also been reported on roads around Ennis in Co Clare as well as in Tuam and Galway City.

Waterford railway station has reopened following earlier flooding.

Road users in the west have been advised to exercise caution and to avoid travelling along coastal routes or parking in coastal areas due to the potential of flooding.

Galway County Council has warned of a significant risk of flooding and storm damage over the weekend due to a combination of high tides and the forecasted high winds. The flood warning remains in force until Tuesday morning.

In Co Limerick, council teams are on standby to deal with any incidents arising from the high tide and stormy conditions forecast for the weekend. Members of the public have been advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of Shannon River in Limerick City, and along the Shannon Estuary at Askeaton, Foynes and Glin.

Cork County Council has warned of a high risk of coastal flooding and emergency crews are on full alert.