Heavy rain named Storm Betty as weather warnings are in place

The storm system is battering the UK and Ireland from Friday into Saturday

Several rain and wind warnings have been issued as Storm Betty is sweeping in on Friday night. Irish forecaster Met Eireann has issued a status orange wind and rain warning for three counties – Cork, Waterford and Kilkenny – which will be in place from 9pm on Friday until 3am on Saturday.

A status yellow warning for both wind and rain has been issued for the rest of the country, which kicks in at various times from 2pm on Friday afternoon. This could lead to structural damage, falling trees, travel disruption, power outages, and localised flooding, according to Met Eireann.

There is also the risk of thundery downpours on Friday, as well as strong winds along eastern-facing coasts. In Northern Ireland, a status yellow rain warning is in place across the region from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday, risking further disruption.

The Met Office has also issued a wind warning for counties Antrim and Down, in place from 6pm on Friday until noon on Saturday, which brings a risk of strong winds that could disrupt transport and temporary infrastructure.