Thunderstorm Alert for 29 Counties
Met Éireann and the UK Met Office have issued Status Yellow warnings for 29 counties as heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected to impact much of the country over the next 24 hours.
The warnings highlight the risk of localised flooding, lightning damage, and difficult travel conditions across multiple regions.
Southern Counties First to Be Hit
The first warning, covering Cork and Waterford, comes into effect from 10:00pm tonight (Wednesday, 11 June) and remains valid until 3:00am Thursday morning. Met Éireann warns of heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms, with potential impacts including spot flooding and lightning damage.
On Wednesday afternoon, Met Éireann extended its warning to counties Clare, Limerick and Kerry. Light strikes have already been reported in Munster.
Wider Spread Expected Overnight and Into Thursday
A broader yellow warning will follow for Leinster, Tipperary, and Waterford, valid from midnight tonight until 2:00pm Thursday. This warning notes the risk of localised flooding, lightning damage, and poor visibility, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions during the Thursday morning commute.
Later in the day, the warning extends to the north-western counties of Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo, effective from 7:00am to 5:00pm on Thursday.
Met Éireann is urging the public to exercise caution as intense rainfall and electrical storms move across the country in waves. Motorists in particular are advised to take extra care on the roads due to poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
Northern Ireland Also on Alert
The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for Northern Ireland, including Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. That alert is valid from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Thursday, with forecasters warning of potential disruption from heavy rain and thunderstorms as the system continues to track northwards.
Public Urged to Stay Informed
With the majority of the island set to be affected, Met Éireann and the UK Met Office are advising people to monitor weather updates, avoid flooded areas, and prepare for possible disruptions.
More details and real-time updates are available on www.met.ie and www.metoffice.gov.uk.
