Fears of further flooding in southeast as two counties are issued orange warnings

The already high water levels are expected to rise further today and tomorrow.

Status Orange rain warnings have been issued for just Wicklow and Waterford so far, while Met Éireann added that 'spells of heavy and persistent rainfall will continue through the week' in southern and eastern counties.

“Flooding is likely due to a combination of already saturated ground, high river levels and high tides," warned the broadcaster.

The warning comes into effect from 3am Thursday for 24 hours.

Several areas have already experience devastating floods as waters levels in rivers such as the Liffey, the Nore, the Barrow and the Slaney are expected to rise even further over the next few days.

In a statement, Dublin City Council has said they are 'monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely, to ensure appropriate responses as required' while emergency services are also staying alert.

Additionally, coastal carparks in both Sandymount and Clontarf will remain closed to 'protect against possible wave overtopping', as is the cycle lane at Clontarf, the Eden Quay boardwalk and the River Dodder flood gate.

Speaking on the way into the Cabinet meeting this morning, Tánaiste Simon Harris revealed that ministers held an 'important conversation' on Tuesday night about temporary measures put in place to reduce the impact.

Furthermore, when speaking on permanent flood relief schemes, he acknowledged that communities are looking for 'what more can be done in the here and now'.

He added that further engagement on flood warning systems is planned next week, focusing on differences between yellow and red rain warnings at varying river levels.

Andrew Doran-Sherlock from Met Éireann’s warned that people 'really need to pay attention to what the weather conditions are and what river gauge data is'.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, the meteorologist added that 'local authorities will have the best guidance because they’ll have a good idea of the response times of the rivers in their areas'.

“It’s important to note that even when it’s not raining there are some delayed responses in some rivers and catchment areas, so the risk of flooding doesn’t necessarily stop just because the rain has stopped, there can be delayed responses.”

He added: “So, especially as we head into tomorrow with further heavy rain and with strengthening easterly winds for onshore coastal areas around high tides, there’s the risk of coastal flooding.

“There will be some significant accumulations in places. It looks like it will ease a bit on Saturday. There’s a bit of uncertainty in the exact details.

“As it currently stands, Sunday is looking like the driest day of the week, but really, as we head into next week, there isn’t quite a let up. It’s still going to be dominated by low pressure.”

The public are being advised to follow Met Éireann's weather updates and to track their local river levels on the Office of Public Works Water Level website.