Storm Bert will bring very strong winds and heavy rain to Donegal this weekend

Storm Bert will move close to Ireland, displacing the recent cold Arctic airmass this weekend.

Very strong winds and heavy rain will track northeastwards over the country on Friday night and Saturday morning. Storm Bert will continue to dominate our weather through the weekend and into early next week and further warnings will be issued.

The initial advisory of Storm Bert runs from this morning, Friday, at 4am till Tuesday night.

Cold and frosty with some icy stretches this morning, Friday. There will be scattered showers this morning, mainly of rain or sleet but isolated snow showers are possible. The showers will die out from most areas through the afternoon and sunshine will become hazy. Highest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in light to moderate west to southwest winds.

Storm Bert will bring very wet and windy conditions tonight, with widespread heavy rain causing flooding. Some falls of sleet or snow are possible too. There will be very strong and gusty south to southeast winds, with gales or strong gales at the coast. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees early in the night, increasing overnight.

Very wet and windy conditions associated with Storm Bert will continue tomorrow morning, with widespread heavy rain which may cause flooding. The rain will ease for a time in the afternoon as it moves eastwards but then more showery rain will move in from the west and will be heavy at times. There will be very strong and gusty southeast to south winds, with gales or strong gales near coasts. Highest temperatures of 12 to 14 degrees.