Both a Status Orange rain warning for Cork and Waterford and a Status Yellow rain warning for 11 other counties have come into effect.

The Status Orange warning began at 4pm today and is due to expire at 6pm tomorrow.

Met Éireann said that persistent and heavy rain could lead to localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Wexford, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, came in effect at 6pm today and will remain in place until 6pm tomorrow.

Persistent and sometimes heavy rainfall may cause localised flooding in these counties, Met Éireann said, together with poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

The forecaster said the rain will be heavy at times, especially over Munster, Leinster and east Ulster, with spot flooding likely.

Western and northern parts of Connacht and Ulster will be mainly dry.

Cork City Council said its crews are on standby across the city while the Orange warning is in place.

Persistent heavy rainfall in excess of 50mm is expected over a 24-hour period which could lead to localised flooding, surface water and hazardous driving conditions.

Cork City Council's Customer Service Unit was open until 5pm. The emergency services can be contacted on 112 and 999.

⚠️Status Orange - Rain warning for Cork, Waterford

From this afternoon (Thursday) to Friday evening, persistent and heavy rain will lead to localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions ☔️

⏰Valid: 16:00 Thursday 14/09/2023 to 18:00 Friday 15/09/2023 pic.twitter.com/RmSrNhIdxq

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 14, 2023

The Road Safety Authority is asking road users to exercise caution this evening and tomorrow.

It said those road users in areas affected by the Orange warning should check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Motorists in all areas under warnings are being advised to:

• Slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front. This is especially important on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
• 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. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
• Always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda SIochána.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.

The following advice has been issued for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

• Pedestrians should walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike, consider wearing high visibility material.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.