Status Orange rain warning issued for five counties

A Status Orange rain warning has been issued for five counties for later this morning with a Status Yellow warning for 20 counties also to come into effect.

The orange warning for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford comes into effect at 6am and will expire at 10am this morning.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow rain warning 20 counties is due to come into effect at 4am.

The warning covers Leinster and Munster as well as Cavan and Monaghan and will be in place until 11am.

Met Éireann has forecast heavy thundery rain and blustery conditions during the period of the warnings.

The forecaster has warned of localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions as possible impacts from the heavy rain.

Wave overtopping is also possible along southern and southeastern coastlines due to the combination of spring tides, surge and strong onshore winds.