Drivers warned over debris following strong winds overnight

Motorists have been warned to take extra care on roads due to debris and surface water following heavy rain and strong winds overnight

Met Éireann predicted widespread showers, possible gales and cold temperatures on Wednesday morning, issuing seperate status yellow alerts.

The weather warnings expried at 9am, though the national forecaster said that heavy rain overnight may lead to flooding in exposed coastal areas.

AA Roadwatch has advised motorists to allow extra time for journeys and to be mindful of surface water and debris.

A number of roads remain closed or restricted on Wednesday morning due to flooding, AA Roadwatch said. In Sligo, the following have been affected: the Carraroe/ Ballintogher Rd (R287) at the Long Stretch; the Carraroe/ Ballintogher Rd (R287) ; the Enniscrone/ Easky Rd (R297) at Leaffony; Enniscrone/ Tullylin Rd (R298) is closed at Lacknaslevia; the Tubbercurry/ Boyle Rd (R294) remains closed outside Tubbercurry.

In Co Kerry, the Glenflesk/ Barraduff Rd (R570) is closed and in Co Roscommon, the Tulsk/ Ballintober Rd (R367) is closed on the Tulsk side of Castleplunket . In Monaghan, the Ardee Rd (Old N2) is impassable outside Carrickmacross.

According to Met Éireann, strong winds and heavy rain on Wednesday morning will gradually ease and it will become colder and brighter. There will be scattered showers and blustery winds and temperatures of 4-8 degrees in the afternoon.

Wednesday night will bring a “sharp frost” in many areas, with low temperatures of 0-2 degrees forecast. Showers are expected in western and northern areas, with possible wintry showers on northern high ground.