Updated at 4.35pm

A STATUS ORANGE thunder warning has been issued for 16 counties today.

Met Éireann is forecasting “high-intensity rainfall” and scattered thunderstorms leading to spot flooding. It’s warning that as much as 50mm could fall in a short time.

The Status Orange warning has been issued for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Westmeath, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Cork and Tipperary.

Met Éireann says localised severe thunderstorm activity is expected in these areas over the next few hours. Torrential downpours and lightning strikes are also expected.

The warning is valid from 3pm to 10pm today.

A Status Yellow rainfall warning was issued for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford earlier today.

The rainfall warning came into place at 11am this morning and will be valid until 10pm tonight.

Despite the warning, temperatures will stay high, hitting between 18 – 23 degrees. There will also be hazy sunshine throughout the day.

The showers are expected to gradually die out tonight and tomorrow should start dry with hazy sunshine.

However, Met Éireann warns that heavy and thundery showers will develop in the north and west, continuing into tomorrow evening.

Warning to motorists

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads as a result of the weather warnings.

The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers of the following:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads, so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, four seconds at a minimum.
• Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility.
• Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100-120km/h speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fills with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. They are being asked to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. The RSA said pedestrians should also walk on a footpath, not in the street, and walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions:

• If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding.
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects

With reporting by Clíodhna Russell.