Status Orange warning to bring 'intense' rainfall

The heaviest of the rainfall, which could lead to accumulations of 40 to 60mm in some places, is expected overnight- from 9pm on Monday, August 24 to 5pm on Tuesday, August 25.

“Intense rainfall” is being forecast for counties Cavan and Monaghan as well as several other counties when Storm Francis hits Ireland in the next 24-hours.

The heaviest of the rainfall, which could lead to accumulations of 40 to 60mm in some places, is expected overnight- from 9pm on Monday, August 24 to 5pm on Tuesday, August 25.

“Some flash flooding likely,” warns national weather service Met Eireann, who issued the Status Orange rainfall warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford this morning.

“This rainfall will further elevate river levels and may result in river flooding also.”

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued meanwhile for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

North of the Border, a status Yellow warning has been put in place for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry.

The UK Met Office says: “Heavy rain is expected during Tuesday and early Wednesday and is expected to result in some flooding and disruption to travel.”