Severe weather warning issued

Met Éireann has issued a severe weather warning as a range of rain belts approach Ireland from the Atlantic.

In excess of 50mm of rainfall is expected to fall across the east, north and west over the next 24 hours, with a particularly active rainbelt crossing the country tonight and early Saturday.

Met Éireann has also warned the water table remains high and flooding is likely, particularly in parts of Dublin.

The heaviest rainfall is likely to occur in Leinster, Ulster and parts of Connacht.

Local authorities are preparing emergency defences and have warned households ¿ particularly those who have been recently flooded ¿ that they should take whatever measures they can to protect their property.

AA Roadwatch has warned drivers to prepare for bad the weather.

Nicola Hudson of AA Roadwatch said ¿At the very least, heavy rain fall will be a problem this weekend; motorists should reduce speeds accordingly and use dipped headlights to improve visibility¿.

¿You will need to double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front of you, as braking distances are increased by wet roads¿ AA Roadwatch also called on motorists to be mindful of more vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes.