LIVE: Met Éireann urges caution as thunderstorm warning is issued for Limerick
National forecaster says localised flooding and lightning can be expected in places
MET ÉIREANN is warning that localised flooding and lightning damage can be expected in most counties, including Limerick, over the next 24 hours.
In its latest update, the forecaster has issued a number of status yellow thunderstorm warnings, covering a total of 24 counties across Ireland.
The first of the warnings - for Limerick, Clare, Cork and Kerry - came into effect at 3:33pm this Wednesday and remains valid until 10pm.
"Heavy showers with localised thunderstorms," states the warning which adds that possible impacts include spot flooding and lightning damage.
A separate status yellow warning - for Waterford and Cork - will come into effect at 10pm this Wednesday and will remain valid until 3am on Thursday.
Another status yellow warning - for all of Leinster, Tipperary and Waterford - will be valid between midnight and 2pm on Thursday with Met Eireann again warning of heavy showers with scattered thunderstorms.
Motorists are being advised that poor visibility and difficult travel conditions are likely during any rainfall.
The fourth warning - for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo - will come into effect at 7am on Thursday and will remain valid until 5pm.
The UK Met Office is also warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms will move northwards across Northern Ireland during Thursday and may lead to some disruption in places.
It has also issued a status yellow warning for all six counties. That warning is valid from 6am on Thursday until 9pm.