Floods expected as heavy rains hit country

Floods were expected in parts of the country today with the average monthly rainfall expected to fall in a 48-hour period.

Floods were expected in parts of the country today with the average monthly rainfall expected to fall in a 48-hour period.

Heavy rain hit much of Dublin, Leinster and East Munster causing disruption for early morning commuters.

Met Eireann has issued a rainfall warning and weather forecaster Evelyn Cusack said that the average montly rainfall for the Dublin area is 47mm but up to 50mm is expected to fall over Thursday and Friday.

"We have issued rainfall and flood warnings for the East areas including Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin, into Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford," she said. "There is definitely a risk of flooding in parts of Leinster, and parts of the east and south east."

READ MORE

Warnings were issued to local county council areas expected to be affected, as heavy rainfall can result in dangerous surface water pooling on roads. Parts of Munster were already affected last weekend when around 60mm of rain falling in the Cork area.

The AA has warned of very wet conditions in the east and south east with surface water creating problems in Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare and Dublin. Spot flooding has already taken place in Wicklow and Tyrone.

Ms Cusack said the weather is expected to improve over the Bank Holiday weekend, with fine weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday.