Weather warning issued for Kildare as Met Eireann predict torrential downpours and lightning strikes

A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for Kildare by Met Eireann as torrential downpours are set to hit the county this evening.

A total of 16 other counties have been issued with a Status Orange thunder warning as the humid conditions will lead to some violent weather in the coming hours for many parts of the country.

Met Eireann have said that high intensity rainfall in scattered thunderstorms will lead to spot flooding in many areas, with between 25 and 50 mm of rainfall possible locally in short periods. The weather warning is valid until 10pm tonight.

The thunder warning has been issued for counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Westmeath, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Cork and Tipperary, where localised severe thunderstorm activity in these areas over the next few hours.

Torrential downpours and lightning strikes are also predicted.