Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for much of the country with one county facing an Orange alert on Thursday as the first named storm of the 2025-26 season approaches.

Storm Amy, although expected to adopt a more northerly track, will bring strong winds and outbreaks of rain across Ireland during Friday into Saturday morning.

Met Éireann has cautioned that persistent downpours could lead to localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions during Thursday.

The alert, in effect from 6am until 8pm, covers Cavan, Donegal, all of Munster and Connacht, and Longford. Widespread rain, heavy at times, is expected throughout the day, with the heaviest falls likely in western and northern counties.

Up to two inches of rain could fall in parts of the west up to Saturday morning.

Met Éireann warned that the showers could make roads hazardous and cause flooding in low-lying areas.

On Wednesday evening, a Status Orange rainfall warning was added for County Kerry.

A series of coastal warnings have also been issued.