Met Éireann warns of 'intense rain' as weather alerts are issued for SEVEN counties

Met Eireann has issued weather warnings for seven counties as a band of heavy rain is set to hit the south coast later this weekend.

Status orange warnings have been issued for Waterford and Cork with flooding likely in many places. The national forecaster says 'intense rain; is likely at times and that potential impacts include difficult driving conditions and poor visibility.

"The rain will be heaviest in the south and southeast and there will be intense falls in Cork and Waterford, causing flooding. The rain will also be accompanied by fresh to strong and gusty southeasterly winds," states Met Eireann in its latest forecast.

Separately, status yellow rain warnings for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Waterford are due to come into effect from midday tonight.

Those warnings will remain valid for 24 hours with Cork and Waterford being upgraded to status orange warnings from midday on Sunday.

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Local authority crews have been placed on standby ahead of the warnings taking effect and motorists in all seven counties are being urged to exercise caution if travelling while the warnings are in effect.