Status Orange rain warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford

A Status Orange rain warning is effect for counties Cork and Kerry with another in Waterford scheduled to begin from midday as Met Éireann warns of "very heavy and persistent rain" in parts.

The warnings for Cork, Kerry and Waterford will be in place until midnight.

The forecaster is warning of "very heavy and persistent rain, with highest accumulations in mountainous areas of Kerry and west Cork".

Potential impacts include river and coastal flooding, and travel disruption.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow warning is in place for counties Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo for the remainder of the day, with Met Éireann warning of localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

It is forecast to be cloudy and wet across the country with rainy spells extending eastwards across the country from this morning.

The Road Safety Authority has urged road users to exercise caution, and to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Drivers are advised to slow down and allow a greater braking distance, and drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Additional care is advised when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces visibility.

"If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it.

"Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.

"The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible," a RSA spokesperson said.

The RSA added that drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

Other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists are advised to consider wearing high visibility material and to take extra care when travelling in bad weather.