Weather warnings in place with rain in Carlow at noon and strongest winds by Friday evening

Heavy rain has arrived on the west coast now and it will move east across the country, according to www.carlowweather.com.

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Forecaster Alan O'Reilly said: "Strong winds are approaching the West coast also and they will also sweep across the country. Some of the strongest winds will be later this evening in the Southeast and East.

"Avoid coastlines today and take care on roads."