Ireland weather: Met Eireann issues heavy rain alert for seven counties and warns of 'torrential downpours'

Seven counties have been hit with a Status Yellow rainfall warning.

Met Eireann has issued the alert and warned that "torrential downpours" will lash the south of the country.

The caution is for Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

It will kick in at 8pm on Wednesday and will be in place until 9am on Thursday.

A spokesman said: "Heavy thundery rain late this evening and overnight, with accumulations of 20 to 30mm. Torrential downpours in places leading to spot flooding."

Workers attempt to clear drains after heavy flooding (Stock) (Colin Keegan, Collins Agency, Dublin)

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