Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford, with 15 to 20 millimetres of rain expected from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.

Totals of more than 25 millimetres are likely on higher ground in West Cork and South Kerry.

The warning is valid from 2pm Sunday until 9am Monday. Forecasters say persistent rain, heavy at times, will bring a risk of localised flooding and difficult travel conditions.

Marine warnings are also in place. Southerly winds, veering southwesterly, will reach force six or higher, prompting a small craft warning for all coasts of Ireland from 11am Sunday until 3am Monday. Gale warnings have been issued for several sea areas, with southerly winds reaching gale force eight at times.

A gale warning is in effect from Valentia to Erris Head to Malin Head until 7pm Sunday. A further warning applies from Strangford Lough to Wicklow Head to Roches Point and across the Irish Sea south of the Isle of Man from 9pm Sunday until 4am Monday.

The coming week will remain unsettled. A strong southwest to northeast gradient in rainfall is expected, according to Met Éireann. The highest accumulations, approaching 70 to 80 millimetres, are forecast for the far southwest, while the lowest totals of around 20 millimetres are expected in parts of Ulster. Much of the country is likely to receive weekly amounts in the region of 30 to 40 millimetres, with coastal areas in the south and west seeing 50 to 60 millimetres.