Parts of the west will be hit by strong winds and heavy rain over the next 48 hours as a dual low-pressure system affects Ireland and Britain.

Gusts could reach up to 85 km/h later on Thursday into Friday as the main low drifts south over western counties. Rainfall will vary widely, with 20 to 30mm expected in parts of the west while much of Leinster and eastern Ulster could see less than 5mm.

Spot flooding is possible in Atlantic coastal areas, particularly west Munster, while eastern counties may remain largely dry.

No land weather warnings are currently in place. A Small Craft Warning has been issued for all coasts from 9pm Wednesday to midnight Friday, with northwest to west winds reaching force 6 or higher. A Status Yellow Gale Warning is in place for coastal waters from Dungarvan to Valentia to Rossan Point on Friday, with westerly winds forecast to reach force 8 at times.

Meanwhile, a secondary low-pressure system will intensify over the English Channel, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to southeast England and northwest France.

The system, named Storm Benjamin by Météo France, has led the UK Met Office to issue a series of weather warnings.