FORECASTERS have upgraded the weather warning in Cork to a status Orange, as Storm Ciara begins to roll in.

There had been a yellow weather warning for wind in place throughout the country from 9am this morning but Met Éireann have since updated it.

The orange warning for Cork will be in place from 5am until noon tomorrow.

A Yellow warning remains in place.

Between 20-40mm of rain is expected to fall on Saturday and on Sunday.

The national forecaster is also warning that there could be spot flooding today, stating:

“Saturday will be a very windy day, with scattered blustery showers across the west of the province during the morning.

“A band of heavy rain will then spread eastwards through the afternoon with a risk of thunder and spot flooding.” 

Heavy rainfall will persist on Sunday and winds are expected to significantly pick up as storm Ciara tracks eastwards to the north of Ireland. 

Later on Sunday afternoon and evening, winds will become westerly.

They will continue strong and very gusty, especially in coastal areas.

Inclement weather will persist into next week, with conditions expected to be cold, windy and very showery.

Met Éireann state:

“Many of the showers will be wintry with hail, sleet and snow at times.

“Westerly winds will be strong and gusty with gales in western and northern coastal areas.”