Flood warning for west of Ireland as heavy rain expected across country

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow rainfall warning leading to localised flooding for the west of the country, with heavy rain expected throughout Wednesday and into Thursday.

The warning was on Tuesday issued for all of Connacht, as well as Longford, Donegal, Clare and Kerry. Heavy rainfall is forecast from 4am on Wednesday morning through to the same time early on Thursday morning.

Some 25 to 40mm of rain is expected, with Met Éireann warning that “localised flooding is likely as ground is saturated at the moment and river levels are elevated following recent heavy rainfall.”

There are also strong winds forecast for the west of the country, with gusts of up to 50 km/h forecast for some counties.

A Russian cruiser with ‘cannibal rats’: What other ‘ghost ships’ could be out there?

---

Passengers leave ship amid ‘chaotic’ coronavirus controls

---

Jump in young Irish adults living with parents among highest in EU

---

‘We’re in the middle of a war,’ says Irish coronavirus ‘general’

---

The AA warned drivers that they should only drive through standing water if they are sure it is not too deep for their vehicle. Drivers are also being told to slow down on wet roads and leave extra space to break, as it takes longer to stop a vehicle in wet weather.

There are two marine warnings in effect; a status yellow gale warning with south to southwest winds set to reach gale force eight during Wednesday on coasts from Mizen Head to Slyne Head to Malin Head. A small craft warning is also in effect for coasts from Malin Head to Howth Head to Mizen Head with winds set to reach force six.

Rain is forecast across the country, with best dry spells in the east and southeast. Temperatures will be milder than in recent days, with highs of nine or 10 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty winds. A cold night is ahead though, with lows of 1 to 4 degrees and some frost and ice possible as clouds clear in the northwest later on.