IRISH weather forecasters are warning of flash flooding and 125kmh winds when Storm Helene hits Ireland on Monday night.

Met Eireann recently issued a special briefing in preparation for the impending storm which now looks set to batter the southwest early next week.

4 Weather experts say flash flooding is a real possibility Credit: PA:Press Association

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has signalled that there is a possibility of flash flooding and gale force winds when Helene hits.

He said: "Latest update from the National Hurricane Center on #StormHelene shows current maximum sustained winds remain near 70 mph (110 kmh) with higher gusts.

"Its path is still forecast for Southwest Ireland, arriving Monday night Irish time but it will weaken before it arrives.

"GFS and ECMWF charts this morning are more in agreement with the centre of the storm over the southwest of Ireland and strongest winds in the South and East.

4 The tail end of Storm Helene is set to hit on Monday night Credit: Carlow Weather

"Gusts of over 110kmh possible in some coastal areas.

"Heavy rainfall is expected across the country with some flash flooding possible but those details will become clearer over the next 48 hours."

Meanwhile, Donegal Weather Channel put in place a 'weather advisory' for the impending storm.

The forecaster echoed concerns of the possibility of flooding in some areas with up to 30mm of rainfall and winds up to 125kmh expected.

4 Gale force winds are also expected early next week Credit: Getty Images - Getty

A spokesperson for the channel said: "A spell of heavy rainfall is expected to move in of the Atlantic on Monday night and Tuesday morning moving from south to north across Ireland.

"On Monday night and Tuesday morning the rain will lead to the risk of spot flooding on some roads along with poor driving visibility & road conditions.

"Up to 25mm to 30mm could fall in a short period of time.

"Strong and Gusty winds are also expected as Storm Helene moves into the south of Ireland on Monday night and passes up over Ireland overnight into Tuesday morning.

4 Forecasters have been monitoring the storm pattern all week Credit: Carlow Weather

"Wind gusts of up to 125km/hr could be possible around some coastal areas of the south, southeast and east."

Just yesterday the national forecaster Met Eireann also warned of potential 'warning level winds' next week in a special briefing ahead of the storm.

A spokesperson for the forecaster said: “Current guidance suggests the potential for warning level winds and perhaps rain with the system.

“There remains some uncertainty in the track of the system. Met Éireann forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and issue warnings, as required, closer to the time.”

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Today looks set to be dry for the most part early on with some outbursts of rain which will gradually increase as the day goes on.

The forcaster continued: "Most places will be dry and cloudy for the early afternoon but isolated showers will also occur.

"More general rain will develop along the west coast during the afternoon and spread to all parts of the country this evening."