Local authorities in coastal counties are preparing for possible flooding because of expected high tides.
The OPW has advised of a period of surge on top of "very high" astronomical spring tides that are approaching high levels in all coastal areas until tomorrow.
According to the OPW, it is expected that highest astronomical tides will be exceeded in many areas around the coast during this time, with storm surge levels predicted to significantly increase in coastal areas.
Widespread rain this afternoon and evening, heaviest in the southwest and west with spot flooding🌧️⚠️
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) March 21, 2023
Becoming windy later too🌬️⚠️
Highs of 10 to 13 degrees🌡️⤵️https://t.co/Xg3aMJm6kq pic.twitter.com/PImaObEPYM
With localised flooding anticipated, Waterford City and County Council has deployed flood barriers in Waterford city and Passage East.
A number of car parks in Dungarvan are closed to the public until 8am tomorrow. These include Davitt's Quay, The Pond, The Lookout, and Castle Street car park.
The council has also advised the public to stay away from exposed piers, harbours and sea walls because of a risk of wave overtopping.
Similar advice is in place for parts of Cork city centre, issued by Cork City Council.
The local authority has warned that some roads and parking areas along low-lying quays may see localised flooding during high tides until Thursday.Vulnerable areas include Morrison's Quay, Fr Mathew Quay, Trinity Bridge, Union Quay, Sharman Crawford Street, Wandesford Quay, Frenche's Quay, Proby's Quay, Crosses Green, Lavitt's Quay, Kyrl's Quay, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill Street and the South Mall.
Separately, a Status Yellow Rain warning is in place for Kerry.
The warning, which is in effect until 8pm, will see wet and windy weather with localised flooding and highest accumulations in mountainous regions.
Galway City Council has said some wave overtopping may occur at Salthill because of high tides, and the areas around the Docks and Spanish Arch may experience localised flooding during high tide periods from tomorrow morning through to Thursday morning.
As a precaution, Toft Park, Salthill and Silverstrand are closed and the Salthill main car park will be closed from 10pm tonight.
Additional reporting Conor Kane, Jennie O'Sullivan