Local authorities are warning that flooding along the River Shannon could reach 2009 levels in the coming days.

Areas from Limerick up to Athlone are on high alert for the rest of the week, with rain and wind warnings in place again today.

In County Clare, the Defence Forces have been deployed to assist the Council in the Springfield area of Clonlara, after water levels rose dramatically last night in the Lower River Shannon.

Athlone businessman Kieran Hynes says the floods will be unstoppable if they hit 2009 levels again: