MET Eireann weather warning
Met Éireann says a storm due to hit Ireland tomorrow could be as bad as the infamous 'Hurricane Charlie' of 1986.
110km an hour winds and torrential rain are forecast, with the south of the country most at risk.
There are fears that a combination of the weather and high tides could cause many rivers to burst their banks.
Forecaster Vincent O'Shea says an unseasonal low pressure is to blame: "I hate to say it but it may be reminiscent of the infamous 'Hurricane Charlie' way back in 1986.
"It may not be quite as bad as that but we are expecting serious winds and extremely heavy rainfall across Munster and Leinster in particular.
MET Eireann have issued the following weather warning
Heavy rain in the south will spread gradually northwards to all areas during tomorrow forenoon. The rain will be very heavy across the south and east for a time with the risk of thundery downpours and sizable amounts. It'll clear northwards during the afternoon to bright spells and heavy showers. Strong easterly winds will veer south during the day along with some severe gusts, especially across southern and western counties. Highest temperatures 17 to 19 degrees.
OUTLOOK: Unsettled, with showers or longer spells of rain, but some dry and bright periods also and quite warm at times.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Further spells of heavy rain on Wednesday night, with the west most of risk of localised flooding. Winds will veer southwest but they'll continue strong over land, with gales or strong gales at sea and some severe gusts possible in coastal counties.
THURSDAY: Another windy day with showers. The showers will be heaviest in the west, while the east will also see good dry and bright periods with some warm sunshine. However, later in the day another very wet spell is likely to develop over eastern and southern parts, continuing throughout Thursday night, giving another risk of localised flooding. Maximum temperatures between 16 and 20 degrees. Southwest winds will be fresh to strong and gusty, but winds will ease somewhat in the evening.
FRIDAY AND NEXT WEEKEND: The changeable weather will continue on Friday and into next weekend, with showers or longer spells of rain, together with some dry and bright periods. It is likely to be quite warm in many parts of the country with afternoon temperatures in the low twenties.
