Ireland on high alert as Storm Boelo threatens flooding, power cuts and travel chaos
Heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding are expected as the second named storm of the season approaches Ireland
Met Éireann has issued a series of Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Boelo prepares to batter parts of Ireland this weekend, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds and the threat of widespread disruption.
The national forecaster has warned that some counties could experience severe conditions on Saturday, October 24, with flooding, power outages, fallen trees and dangerous travelling conditions among the potential impacts.
The latest warnings come just days after Storm Austen brought heavy rain and strong winds to Ireland, leaving around 3,000 homes and businesses without power.
A Status Orange rain warning has been issued for Kerry, where spells of very heavy and intense rainfall are expected.
The warning will come into effect at 7am on Saturday and remain in place until 2pm that afternoon.
Met Éireann has warned that flooding is expected, with damage to homes and businesses, significant disruption to outdoor events, delays to public transport and very difficult travelling conditions among the potential consequences.
Meanwhile, a Status Orange wind warning has been issued for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.
The warning will take effect at 2pm on Saturday and remain in place until 9am on Sunday, October 25.
Gale-force westerly winds, accompanied by severe and damaging gusts, are expected to affect the four counties.
Met Éireann has warned of possible damage to weakened structures and power lines, with power outages, fallen trees and significant transport disruption also anticipated. Large coastal waves and coastal flooding are additional concerns, particularly in exposed areas.
A Status Yellow rain warning has also been issued for Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo.
The warning will be in place from 4am until 3pm on Saturday.
Heavy rainfall associated with Storm Boelo could result in localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and disruption to outdoor events.
A separate Status Yellow wind warning will affect Connacht, Clare, Kerry and Limerick from 1pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday.
Very strong southwesterly winds are expected to turn westerly, bringing severe gusts and coastal gales.
A further Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Donegal, running from 1pm on Saturday until 3pm on Sunday.
The latest warnings signal another unsettled weekend for Ireland, with members of the public urged to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and exercise caution when travelling.
Weather warnings may be updated as the storm approaches.