Rainy, windy weather in Dublin.RollingNews.ie

Met Éireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, has issued several weather warnings for Friday, October 3, as Storm Amy takes aim.

“Storm Amy will bring wet and very windy conditions on Friday, and it’s preceded by a band of heavy rain on Thursday," Met Éireann meteorologist Ailís Hankinson said on Thursday.

"It is the first storm of the season, so it’s essential to be prepared for potential impacts caused by the strong winds and the rain.

"There could be difficult travelling conditions, loose objects, or flying debris.

"Trees are still in leaf at this time of the year, so there could be higher impacts from fallen trees and leaves blocking drains, causing localised flooding. Small, upland river catchments are the most at risk of flooding, so precautions for potential localised flooding in these areas are also important."

Hankinson said Met Éireann will provide updates on Storm Amy and its impacts via Met.ie, its app, and on social media.

Storm Amy weather warnings - Ireland

Status Orange wind warning for Cos Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo is valid from 2 pm - 11 pm on Friday, October 3.

Near gale force to gale force and very gusty southwest to west winds could lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and possible power outages, very difficult travelling conditions, and possible wave overtopping.

Status Yellow rain warning for Cos Galway and Kerry is valid from 9 am to 3 pm on Friday, October 3.

Further spells of heavy rain could lead to flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland is valid from 12 pm on Friday, October 3, to 12 am on Saturday, October 4.

This Status Yellow wind warning continues for Cos Clare, Kerry, Galway, and Mayo from midnight to noon on Saturday, October 4.

Strong to near gale force and gusty southwesterly winds could lead to difficult traveling conditions, debris and loose objects displaced, and some fallen trees.

Status Yellow wind and rain warning for Cos Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo is valid from midnight to noon on Saturday, October 4.

Strong to near gale force westerly winds continuing with spells of heavy rain could lead to localised flooding, difficult travelling condition, debris and loose objects displaced, and some fallen trees possible.

Status Yellow wind warning for Cos Dublin, Louth, and Wicklow is valid from 6 am to noon on Saturday, October 4.

Strong to near gale force westerly winds for a time could lead to difficult travelling conditions, debris and loose objects displaced, and some fallen trees possible.

Storm Amy weather warnings - Northern Ireland

Amber wind warning for Cos Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry is valid from 3 pm to 8 pm on Friday, October 3.

The UK Met Office says Storm Amy will bring a spell of damaging winds on Friday late afternoon and evening, perhaps causing some disruption.

Yellow wind warning for Cos Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry is valid from 2 pm on Friday, October 3 to 12 am on Saturday, October 4.

The UK Met Office said Storm Amy may lead to disruption during Friday evening and overnight.

Preparing for Storm Amy

Ireland's Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said on Thursday evening that the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann, and relevant agencies had met to discuss the weather warnings.

The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.

On the ground, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally, and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said on Thursday: “It is quite clear that we will have challenging weather conditions at local level in many counties. Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm’s approach

“For those in areas affected, I would advise they pay attention to their local conditions, and members of the public should monitor Met Éireann’s ongoing advice and act accordingly.

"Even after the storm has passed, there is a possibility of road flooding or fallen trees so drivers are urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm

“For all members of the public, whatever part of the country you are in, rain and winds will be a factor overnight and early tomorrow. I would urge you to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.'"