Kilkenny upgraded to 'Status Orange' weather alert as strong winds and rain batter county

Kilkenny can expect serious wind and rain in the hours ahead, following confirmation that Met Éireann has upgraded its weather alert to Status Orange.

Storm Deirdre is to sweep the country this weekend, and the forecaster has raised its warning level late on Friday night. The Status Orange warning is valid from 3pm today (Saturday) to almost midnight later (Saturday, December 15).

A statement from Kilkenny County Council in the last few hours advises:

"Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take account of prevailing weather conditions and to expect debris on roads and footpaths with the possibility of falling slates and trees/branches. Heavy rainfall is also expected which will lead to surface water and spot flooding. The public are also advised to keep in touch with up to date weather forecasts."

Met Éireann says Orange level weather warnings is for weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas. The issue of an Orange level weather warning implies that all recipients in the affected areas should prepare themselves in an appropriate way for the anticipated conditions.