Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning as Storm Amy is forecast to bring strong and gusty southwesterly winds across the country on Friday.

The warning is valid from midday Friday until midnight, with forecasters cautioning that the storm may cause disruption during Friday evening and overnight.

According to Met Éireann, winds will reach strong to near gale force at times, leading to difficult travelling conditions, possible displacement of loose objects and debris, and a risk of some fallen trees.

The strongest winds are likely to be in the northwest and north of Ireland.

A separate Yellow wind warning has also been issued by the UK Met Office for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, valid from 4pm Friday until 6am Saturday.

Both weather services advise the public to exercise caution, particularly on roads and in coastal areas, where conditions may be hazardous.

Storm Amy is the first system of October to be named by Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and KNMI under their joint storm-naming scheme.

Thursday rainfall

Met Éireann has also issued a Status Yellow rain warning for large parts of the country on Thursday, with forecasters warning of the potential for localised flooding and difficult travel conditions.

The alert, which comes into effect at 6am on Thursday and remains in place until 8pm, applies to Cavan, Donegal, all of Munster and Connacht, as well as Longford.

According to the national forecaster, widespread rain, heavy at times, is expected throughout the day. The heaviest falls are likely in western and northern areas.

Met Éireann said the downpours could lead to hazardous conditions on the roads and localised flooding in parts of the country.