Storm Bert: Status Orange weather warning ahead of weekend

There are yellow and orange warnings in place from this evening and heading into the weekend, as Storm Bert brings slightly warmer but much wetter and windier weather.

A status orange rain warning is set to come into place for Cork, valid from 12am tonight to 10am on Saturday. A yellow warning for wind and rain across Ireland will also be in place from 10pm tonight to 12pm tomorrow.

Storm Bert is a low-pressure system currently forming in the Atlantic, which will displace the current cold Arctic air, introducing very strong winds and heavy rain.

Potential impacts include surface flooding, localised river flooding, dangerous travelling conditions, displaced objects, and fallen trees.

Cork County Council advised that flood barriers will be installed in Mallow and Fermoy as a precaution, pumping arrangements will be in place in known problem locations, and sandbags will be available at priority locations.

The status yellow low temperature/ice warning for Cork remains in place until noon today.