Met Éireann has this morning (Friday, October 18) issued weather warnings for very strong winds ahead of the arrival of Storm Ashley.

The national meteorological service has said that the first named storm of the season will bring strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides.

A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for Galway and Mayo from midday until 9:00p.m on Sunday (October 20).

Storm Ashley will bring a risk of coastal flooding, large coastal waves, fallen trees and damage to power lines leading to power outages.

Met Éireann said that there will be "very difficult travelling conditions" in these counties and dangerous conditions at sea.

A Status Yellow warning for strong winds, which currently applies to all counties, will come into force at 10:00a.m on Sunday (October 20) and remain in place until midnight.

The UK Met Office has also issued a similar warning for Northern Ireland stating that "a spell of strong winds could cause disruption on Sunday and into Monday".

This warning will be in place from 3:00a.m on Sunday until midday on Monday.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast shows that rain and drizzle will move across the country this morning (Friday, October 18) and it will become windy.

There will be heavier falls of rain in western parts later in the morning which will extend eastwards in the afternoon.

Fresh to strong southerly winds will be gusty at times with highest temperatures of 13° to 16°C. Due to the very high tides, there is an ongoing risk of coastal flooding.

A Status Yellow warning for gale force 8 winds has been issued from Mizen Head to Malin Head to Carnsore Point and on the Irish Sea until 4:00p.m today.

The rain will clear later to leave a generally dry night with clear spells and the odd shower in the west. Lowest temperatures of 6° to 9° in moderate southwest breezes.

Saturday will be a dry and bright day with some showers. Cloud will build in the afternoon bringing rain to the southwest by evening. Afternoon highs of 12° to 15° in moderate southwest winds.

Met Éireann said that there will be a continuing possibility of coastal flooding due to the very high tides.