Met Éireann updated its rain-and-wind warning for Leinster and Munster at 9.57am on Thursday, 22 October, as Storm Austen approaches Ireland. Separate Status Orange rain warnings cover six counties overnight, with the forecaster warning of flooding, very difficult journeys and disruption to bus and rail travel.

The current Met Éireann warning notice places the wider Yellow warning between 7pm on Thursday and 10am on Friday, 23 October. All times in this report are Irish local time.

When the Orange warnings apply

Cork, Kerry and Waterford are under an Orange rain warning from 10pm on Thursday until 5am on Friday. Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow follow from 2am until 8am on Friday, according to Met Éireann’s Friday warning details.

That creates different overnight risk periods: the southern warning begins before midnight, while the eastern warning extends into Friday’s morning travel period. The Orange notices concern rain. The broader Yellow notice covers both rain and wind across Leinster and Munster.

Met Éireann says strong easterly winds will turn northwesterly and strengthen further, especially in the south and southeast. Its listed potential impacts include displaced loose objects, fallen trees or branches, localised flooding and disruption to outdoor events.

These are forecasts of possible or expected impacts, rather than confirmation that particular services have been cancelled. Travellers should check their operator’s current notices before setting off and allow extra time for necessary journeys.

Waterford crews on standby

Waterford City and County Council’s statement, issued on Wednesday, says its severe-weather team is monitoring conditions and ground crews are on standby for local flooding, blocked drains and overflowing gullies.

If sandbags are needed, the council says they will be available at its machinery yards in Dungarvan and Carrickphierish, the Tramore depot and Passage East. Its customer-service number is 0818 10 20 20; outside office hours, calls transfer to the council’s emergency-services number.

The council advises avoiding unnecessary journeys and never entering a flooded road. It also asks households to secure loose bins, garden furniture and other outdoor items before Thursday evening.

Check the latest notice before travelling

Met Éireann’s storm commentary explains that the precise track affects where the heaviest rain and strongest winds fall. The live warning pages provide the latest county coverage and validity periods, which may change as forecasts develop.

This report reflects official information checked on Thursday morning, 22 October. Further travel or event decisions should be checked with the relevant operator or organiser rather than inferred from a weather-warning colour alone.