RED ALERT: Met Éireann issues highest-level rain warning for TWO counties

Met Eireann has issued a status red rain alert for two counties - warning there is a risk of severe flooding this weekend, associated with Storm Bert. 

The highest-level warning, which was issued for Cork and Galway shortly before midday this Friday, is valid from midnight until 10am on Saturday.

The forecaster says the highest accumulations of rainfall are expected in west Cork and west Galway and that potential impacts include severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses as well as dangerous/treacherous travelling conditions.

Local authority crews and emergency services have been put on standby and the issuing of the status red warning is likely to impact public transport and other services in both counties.

READ ALSO: ALERT: Services suspended on Cork-Dublin line after truck smashes into level crossing

Separately, a status orange rain warning has been issued for six counties with Met eireann warning there will be "intense falls of rain over a short period of time".

The affected counties are Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim and the warning will also be valid from midnight to 10am.

As Storm Bert approaches, Met Éireann has also issued a number of status yellow warnings with most counties set to be impacted.

The first - a wind and rain warning - will come into effect at 10pm this Friday and will apply to Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Cavan and Monaghan.

The second - a snow-ice, rain and wind warning for County Donegal - will come into effect at midnight.