Met Éireann has issued its second highest level weather warning for parts of the country tonight, with exposed western and northern coasts expected to be worst affected by continuing strong winds.

An orange level wind warning has been issued for coastal counties in the west and north, with Met Éireann warning of potential speeds of 70 km/h with gusts of 110 to 120km/h for a time tonight in exposed areas.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning remains in place for all other counties, with forecasters saying southwest winds of mean speed 45 to 60 km/h will gust 90 to 110km/h at times tonight.

Both warnings are valid until 9am on Monday morning.

As part of their general forecast, Met Éireann says a spell of heavy rain will spread southeastwards, but will clear to colder showery conditions in much of Connacht and Ulster by dawn.

Meteorologist Eoin Sherlock says tomorrow will be much colder:

Originally posted at 19.44