Two weather warnings issued as newly named storm set to hit Ireland

The warnings affect 26 counties.

The storm was named by the UK Met Office on Tuesday morning (20 October). According to Met Éireann, "a low-pressure system moving towards the UK and south of Ireland on Thursday and Friday will bring a spell of strong winds and rain."

Coinciding with this, the Irish meteorological service has issued two Status Yellow rain warnings.

The first applies to Dublin and Wicklow and will be valid from 1am to 8am on Wednesday (21 October).

"A spell of heavy rain. Be aware of potential impacts: difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding possible," Met Éireann's alert reads.

The second warning applies to the entire Republic of Ireland and is scheduled from 7pm on Thursday (22 October) to 8am on Friday (23 October).

The alert states: "Heavy rain associated with Storm Austen will spread eastwards across the country.

"Be aware of potential impacts: Difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding possible, outdoor events impacted."

The weekend is also expected to be rainy, showery, and windy, though there will be some sunshine too.