There are major thunderstorms in store for three counties in Ireland this evening as a new Status Orange alert was issued.
Met Eireann have put a Status Orange thunderstorm warning in place for Cavan, Donegal and Leitrim from just before 5pm until 9pm on Sunday.
Drivers have been warned that the heavy rain could lead to "very difficult" conditions for driving this evening, with poor visibility and flooding.
READ MORE: Major Ireland weather update as 12-hour thunderstorms to wreak havoc in dramatic forecast change
A forecaster said: "Thunderstorms and very heavy showers producing significant rainfall accumulations over short time periods."
The possible impacts include "flash flooding" as well as "very difficult travelling conditions with reduced visibility" and "power outages".
Meanwhile, a Status Yellow ‘thunderstorm and rain’ warning for almost the entirety of Ireland is in place until 10pm on Sunday.
It affects Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Munster, Connacht, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, and Westmeath.
Only five eastern counties have been spared from the alert: Louth, Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford.
The warning advises: “Thunderstorms bringing frequent lightning, heavy downpours, gusty winds and the chance of hail."
Among the concerns is the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, strong winds may lead to tree branches breaking, loose objects being blown around and potential damage to structures so motorists are being advised to exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas.
Met Eireann lists the “possible impacts” as localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.
Giving its overall forecast for today, it said: “Widespread showers for the rest of today, some heavy with thunderstorms bringing the possibility of hail and localised flooding. There will be some hazy sunny spells between the showers too. Highest temperatures of 19 to 23 degrees in light to moderate southeast breezes."
"Tonight, any remaining showers and thunderstorms will largely die away, though isolated showers will persist. Some heavy rain will also move into northern and eastern parts of Ulster for a time. Mist or fog will form with just light southwest breezes. Temperatures not falling below 10 to 14 degrees."
The “unsettled” are expected to continue into next week with further thunderstorms. However it will remain warm with top temperatures hitting the low 20s.
READ NEXT:
- Get rid of flies in the house with cheap Aldi item as shopper hails ‘best purchase of the year’
- 'I arrived home and found someone parked in my drive - so I made sure to ruin their weekend'
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
