Warning of possible flooding during Status Orange alert

Met Éireann has warned of possible dangerous driving conditions in parts of Munster and Leinster, as a Status Orange weather alert comes into effect.

An orange rain warning for Cork and Waterford is in effect from until 6pm this evening.

In counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford a Status Orange rain warning will also come into effect at 1pm, and will remain valid until midnight.

Met Éireann has warned of heavy rain with some intense, thundery downpours during the alert.

The forecaster also said that there could be flooding and travel disruption.

A Status Yellow rain warning has also been issued for counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, which is currently in place until 8pm.

Another yellow rain warning has been issued for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow. The warning will come into effect at midday and remain valid until midnight.

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