Storm Boelo: Status Orange warning in place for Galway and Kerry

Flooding and possible damage to homes and businesses are expected

The latest rain warning started at 7am on Saturday (24 October), and it runs until 2pm as Storm Boelo sweeps heavy rain in from the Atlantic.

In both counties, flooding, along with possible damage to homes and businesses, is expected.

This means that you should factor in the disruption if you are heading to Kerry this weekend and eyeing a a 4-star Killarney hotel offer.

What other warnings has Storm Boelo brought?

This time, a second orange warning for wind is due in Galway, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim and Sligo.

The latest warning runs from 2pm Saturday until 9am Sunday, with gale-force westerly winds and severe, damaging gusts forecast.

At the same time, a Status Yellow rain warning is also live across eight counties: Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Cork, Leitrim and Donegal.

This warning runs from 4am until 3pm Saturday.

For Limerick, Clare, Connacht, and Kerry, there are separate Yellow Wind warnings from 1pm until midnight.

Donegal carries a further yellow wind warning from 1pm Saturday to 3pm Sunday.

A yellow wind warning is in place in Cavan and Monaghan too, from 6pm Saturday to midday Sunday.

Why is flooding a bigger risk after Storm Austen?

Met Éireann says that in coastal counties, high tides combined with the rain will make flooding more likely.

Inland, saturated ground and swollen rivers from Storm Austen add a second layer of risk.

The rain could "lead to rapid runoff, rising river levels" and a greater chance of flooding, Met Éireann said.

Especially in the west and southwest, surface water and river flooding are both more likely.

What time does the Status Orange warning end?

The Status Orange rain warning for Galway and Kerry runs from 7am until 2pm on Saturday 24 October.

Which counties have a weather warning today?

Galway and Kerry are under Status Orange rain warnings.

Status Yellow rain or wind warnings also cover Sligo, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Cork, Leitrim and Donegal.

Connacht, Kerry, Cavan and Monaghan are also covered at various points over Saturday and Sunday.