Weather warning remains in place

Met Éireann’s country-wide code level orange national alert a remains in place today.

Torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms are forecast this evening and through the night.

Met Éireann issued its weather warning yesterday evening today and it remains in place until tonight.

It predicted widespread heavy rain today, with accumulations of 30 to 50mm generally. Parts of Munster and Connacht will receive 50 to 70mm. On saturated ground, this may lead to flooding.

Cork City Council has also issued a weather warning, while council crews were on standby today in Co Kerry as heavy rainfall led to flooding in many parts.

A senior engineer with Kerry County Council said the council was on full alert, with crews ready to travel to fallen trees and flooded roads as part of its “extreme weather response” procedure.

Threats of thunder and severe downpours will ease over the south of the country later tonight.

However, Met Éireann said things are set to improve over the bank holiday weekend.

“Friday and Saturday looks like being better overall,” said a spokeswoman. “Some areas could stay dry but there will be some scattered showers most likely in the Atlantic coastal areas.”