Red weather warning issued for two Irish counties as Storm Bert approaches

Storm Bert is set to bring extreme conditions to the country over the weekend.

A Status Red rain warning is now in place for Cork and Galway from midnight tonight until 10am Saturday morning (November 23).

The warning states a risk of severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and dangerous travel conditions.

Storm Bert is set to bring 80mm of rain and 110km winds across Ireland over there coming days.

The public are growing fearful of flooding as the weather forecast for the weekend sees this season's second storm sweep the country.

A Status Yellow wind and rain warning is in place nationwide from 10pm tonight (November 22) until 12pm tomorrow, Saturday.

Storm Bert is expected to land in Ireland tonight into tomorrow's early hours with a Status Orange rain warning in place for Galway, Cork and Kerry from midnight on tonight until 10am Saturday morning (November 23).

Extremely strong winds are expected to be coupled with the heavy rain with a Met Éireann spokesperson saying: "There will be very strong and gusty southeast to south winds, with gales or strong gales near coasts. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15C. Rain will clear eastwards early on Saturday night and will be followed by clear spells and scattered showers."

Met Éireann expects the storm to bring its main impacts over the weekend with ‘potential for lasting impacts into early next week'. They have issued a warning to the public of difficult travel conditions, fallen trees and possible flooding due to the storm.

This follows a freezing week for the country with many parts of the country dealing with this winter's first bouts of snow.

The Road Safety Authority and the Gardaí are appealing to motorists to drive with extreme cautions after some roads were left impassable during the week due to the snow. They have also advised to avoid taking unnecessary journeys during the storms duration.