Status Orange rain warnings have been issued for six counties as Storm Austen approaches Ireland.

Met Éireann is warning of intense rainfall, with flooding, very difficult travelling conditions and disruption to bus and rail services expected.

The warning for Waterford, Cork and Kerry will come into effect at 10pm tomorrow (Thursday) and remain in place until 5am on Friday.

A separate Status Orange warning has also been issued for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, taking effect at 2am on Friday and remaining in place until 8am.

A Status Yellow rain and wind warning will also cover the entire country from 7pm on Thursday until 10am on Friday.

Heavy rain associated with Storm Austen is expected to spread eastwards, while strong easterly winds will turn northwesterly and strengthen further, particularly in the south and southeast.

Met Éireann has warned of difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding, impacts to outdoor events, displaced debris and the possibility of fallen trees and branches.

Storm Austen is expected to bring the worst conditions from Thursday night into Friday morning.