Met Eireann has issued a new Status Orange thunderstorm alert with possible 'flash flooding' for 11 counties
The weather warning is in place for the whole of Connacht as well as Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath on Saturday from 4.42pm to 10pm tonight.
A Met Éireann forecaster wrote: "Thunderstorms and very heavy showers producing significant rainfall accumulations over short time periods."
READ MORE: Major new thunderstorm warning issued by Met Eireann as only six counties spared
Possible impacts of the Status Orange alert and heavy rainfall in those areas include "flash flooding", "power outages" and "very difficult travelling conditions with reduced visibility".
Meanwhile, a major Status Yellow weather warning is also in place for a staggering number of counties in Ireland.
The ‘double’ alert for both thunderstorms and rain began at noon and lasts until 11pm tonight.
Most of the country is in the firing line, with just four counties left out of the two warnings.
The counties affected by the Yellow Alert are: Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Connacht.
Those in the affected areas are being warned to prepare for thunderstorms with frequent lightning, torrential downpours, strong winds and even the chance of hail.
Among the concerns is the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, strong winds may lead to tree branches breaking, loose objects being blown around and potential damage to structures so motorists are being advised to exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas.
The alert reads: “Thunderstorms bringing frequent lightning, heavy downpours, gusty winds, and a chance of hail. Possible impacts: Localised flooding, Difficult travelling conditions.”
It comes as Ireland’s ‘mini-heatwave’ continues with sweltering temperatures. While it is forecast to be “slightly cooler” over the coming days, temperatures will still remain in the high teens to low 20s.
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