Red weather alert for Mayo

TO put it mildly, it's going to pour.

Met Éireann has issued a red alert - the highest level - rainfall warning for Connaught, Donegal, Clare and Kerry.

Incessant falls of heavy rain are due overnight and for all of Saturday. Accumulations in excess of 70mm are expected, with greater totals on higher ground.

And it doesn't end there - a status orange wind alert is also in place for a number of counties, including Mayo.

Latest data suggests it will be the strongest storm this season so far.

The met service is forecasting that Storm Desmond will bring significant rainfall totals, with the rain arriving into the west and northwest later this afternoon, and extending eastwards this evening.

Wind and rain warnings are in effect right across the country and the extremely wet and windy weather will persist countrywide tonight. Prolonged spells of heavy, incessant rain, especially across the western half of the country, will lead to flooding and treacherous driving conditions.

Tomorrow will be another exceptionally wet and windy day for most parts of the country. Extended periods of torrential rain in the northwest and west are likely to bring more widespread flooding to these areas.