Heavy and persistent rain will affect much of Ireland on Friday, bringing a renewed risk of localised flooding after what has already been an exceptionally wet month across parts of the west and south.

At least four weather stations, including Athenry, Roches Point, Cork Airport and Sherkin Island, have already recorded more than their average rainfall for November.

Up to 70 millimetres of rain is forecast on higher ground in Dublin and Wicklow, with totals of 30 to 35 millimetres expected at lower levels across parts of the east and south. Winds will gust between 70 and 85 km/h across Munster and Leinster during the day, while conditions will be less windy over Ulster. Much of west Ulster and north Connacht will stay dry as colder and clearer air moves south later in the day.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford from 2pm on Friday until 11am on Saturday. The forecaster said significant accumulations, particularly on high ground, may lead to flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

Status Yellow rain warnings are also in place for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford from 9am Friday to 9am Saturday, and for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow from 11am Friday to 11am Saturday.

A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Dublin, Louth, Wexford and Wicklow, where strong and gusty northeasterly winds are expected from midday Friday until early Saturday morning.

A marine warning is also in effect, with northeast to east winds reaching gale force 8 and occasionally strong gale force 9 in the Irish Sea. Small craft and gale warnings remain in place for all coastal waters from early Friday through to Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Louth County Council has warned of localised flooding over the coming days due to a combination of high tides and persistent heavy rain, with river flooding posing a particular risk from Friday evening into Saturday.

Sandbags will be available from 8.30am tomorrow at multiple collection points across Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and Bush. The council is urging the public to take precautions and contact its customer services line at 042-9335457 for further information.