Status Orange weather warnings have been triggered across several counties as Storm Austen approaches, bringing severe weather and flood risks.

Storm Austen has triggered amber weather warnings across the UK and Ireland as powerful winds and torrential rain threaten severe travel disruption.

Storm Austen is set to hit southern Britain and Ireland with gale-force winds and heavy rain, disrupting half-term travel networks.

Met Éireann has warned that Ireland faces an unsettled start to October with potential wind and heavy rainfall alerts as Atlantic low-pressure systems move in.

While Ireland enjoys dry weather and mild temperatures through the weekend, much of southern Europe faces a blistering heat wave with Italy placing all 27 major cities under red alert.