An amber weather warning is in place from the early hours of Tuesday morning as the island is due to be hit by heavy rain.

Spells of heavy rain, accompanied by strong to gale force southeast winds, from the early hours of Tuesday morning will cause some significant areas of standing water and difficult driving conditions through the rush hour period tomorrow morning.

Rainfall amounts of 30 to 40mm with a risk of 60 to 70mm over the higher ground could lead to some flash floods caused by run off. The areas’ most likely to be affected are river valleys along the East and Northeast coasts.

Rain will become patchy from tomorrow lunchtime, but still with the risk of some heavy and prolonged showers, particularly tomorrow evening and overnight into Wednesday.

The amber warning is in place from 3am on Tuesday until 12pm. A further warning may be issued for this period if it becomes needed.