LIVE: Met Éireann warns of spot flooding and lightning damage for 21 counties across Ireland
National forecaster urges caution as multiple status yellow thunderstorm warnings are issued
Met Éireann is warning that localised flooding and lightning damage can be expected in most counties across the country over the next 24 hours.
In its latest update, the forecaster has issued a number of status yellow thunderstorm warnings, covering a total of 21 counties.
The first of the warnings - for Cork and Waterford - will come into effect at 10pm this Wednesday and will remain valid until 3am on Thursday.
"Heavy showers with localised thunderstorms," states the warning which adds that possible impacts include spot flooding and lightning damage.
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A separate 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 third 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.