STORM DEIRDRE latest weather update from Met Éireann

An updated Storm Deirdre Met Éireann forecasts says the storm will last longer than previously expected.

The forecaster tweeted its latest timeframe for its Status Orange wind weather warning for the storm.

It expects the worst impact will be felt from 2pm Saturday. The warning period will also run right up to midnight. 

Status Yellow rain warnings are also in place. The forecaster expects extensive rain.

MORE BELOW TWEETs

Orange Wind Warning Update.
Valid nationwide from 2pm until midnight tonight.https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt#StormDeirdre pic.twitter.com/KARwH4kXuA

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 15, 2018

Here's the 24 hour rainfall totals to 9am this morning, plus the latest rainfall radar image (11:40am).
We have had over 50mm in parts of the south. The heaviest rain at the moment is over the northeast of the country with heavy squally showers elsewhere.#StormDeirdre pic.twitter.com/pAF0Iz3BW1

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 15, 2018 

The forecaster says it will be stormy right through Saturday afternoon and evening, with some squally and damaging gusts. These developing over Munster and Connacht this afternoon and in Leinster and Ulster early this evening. Further showers or longer spells of rain too, heavy and thundery at times, with some further spot flooding. Afternoon temperatures of 6 to 12 C.

It will be extremely windy or stormy in eastern and northern areas early Saturday tonight, but the winds will soon abate. Clear spells and occasional showers overnight, some heavy in southern areas later, with a risk of hail and thunder. Turning cold; temperatures fall to between 1 and 4 C., with frost developing in places.

It is expected to be cold on Sunday with widespread rain or hail showers during the morning, some prolonged in places. Showers will be mostly in western and southwestern counties in the afternoon, with some better sunny spells in midland and eastern areas. Top temperatures of 6 to 8 C., in moderate or fresh southwest winds.