Met Eireann issued a MAJOR warning as Storm Ciaran was “damaging” and hit Ireland with gusts and flooding ahead of a “wet” Halloween

MET Eireann has issued a major warning for Ireland as newly named Storm Ciaran is set to hit the country with torrential rain, “destructive” squalls and flooding.

A status warning for yellow rain for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth and Westmeath is now in effect and will remain in place until 9pm this evening.

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And a status yellow warning has been issued for the west and north of Ireland due to heavy rainfall from Monday to Wednesday.

This will result in localized flooding and difficult driving conditions.

Met Éireann meteorologist Aoife Kealy said: “Even today (Sunday) heavy rainfall poses the risk of localized flooding, particularly in western areas and the north Midlands.”

“A yellow rain warning is therefore in effect for Cavan, Monaghan, Connacht, Longford, Louth and Westmeath until 9pm on Sunday.”

She added: “Further heavy rainfall on Monday will add to already high rainfall accumulations.”

“More widespread and potentially heavier rainfall will then result in further deterioration of ground conditions and river levels on Tuesday.

“Therefore, the risk of localized flooding remains at the start of the new week.”

Most of Ireland will experience heavy rainfall, which may cause flooding in places as soils are saturated and river levels are high.

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather said: “This rain is currently hitting the east and some is on its way to Dublin.”

“I’m told there are still a lot of flooding issues in Wexford and roads are heavily flooded in places. So travel carefully.”

“Heavy showers in northern areas, with a break for most, but now heavier showers are pushing into the south east and these will bring some very heavy downpours again.”

Alan mentioned that the weather on Halloween day will be “quite scary and wet for many” as the heavy rains continue.

STORM CIARAN

The storm will bring heavy rain and strong winds late Wednesday and into Thursday.

Munster and Leinster will be particularly affected by the heaviest rainfall and strongest winds, with flooding possible in some areas.

Weather experts have said the potential storm is expected to miss Ireland on its way to France, but will bring heavy rain and “stormy conditions” across the country.

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather tweeted: “The latest models are coming onto the market and two of them can be seen here.” #StormCiaran In the south with strongest winds in France but heavy rain in the south Ireland.

“Small changes to the route can make a big difference in the impacts we see, particularly in rainfall.”

Due to poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions during storm season, people are strongly advised to exercise caution outdoors.

Storm Ciaran is expected to fully cross Ireland by the end of Thursday, but heavy showers and rain will continue over the weekend.

The warning was issued after towns and villages in the southeast recovered from the aftermath of Storm Babet, where heavy rain caused flooding of homes and businesses earlier this month.

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