Carlow braced for heavy rain and flooding washout as Met Éireann issues Status Yellow alert

Carlow is among seven counties under a Status Yellow rain warning as spells of heavy rain move in overnight, with Met Éireann warning of localised flooding and dangerous travel conditions.

The alert, which covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford, will remain in effect from midnight tonight until 6pm on Tuesday, with forecasters warning that up to 40mm of rain could fall in some areas.

Met Éireann said the region can expect "spells of heavy rain", bringing "possible localised flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility."

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Local forecaster Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather said rainfall totals could be significant across parts of the southeast.

"Yellow rainfall warning updated to include more counties with over 40mm possible over tonight and Tuesday," he said. "A very wet Tuesday for many."

According to Met Éireann, Monday will start cloudy over the northern half of the country with rain in the northwest slowly clearing. However, a brighter start is expected further south with some showers developing. "Becoming largely dry this afternoon with sunny spells and scattered showers developing. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in a light southwesterly or variable breeze," the forecaster said.

But by tonight, conditions will deteriorate rapidly. "Tonight will start off mainly dry with clear spells. However, persistent and heavy rain will spread from the southwest overnight, with spot flooding possible," Met Éireann said. "Lowest temperatures of 1 to 7 degrees, coldest in Ulster before the rain arrives. Light southeast winds will increase moderate to fresh with the rain, strong on southern coasts."

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The rain will intensify overnight and continue through Tuesday, leading to widespread wet and windy conditions. "Tuesday will be wet with spells of persistent and heavy rain in many areas and potential for localised flooding," Met Éireann warned.

"The rain will gradually become confined to Ulster through the late afternoon and evening, with a few showers following elsewhere. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees with moderate to fresh south to southeast winds, strong on east and southeast coasts."

The rain will clear northwards early Tuesday night, leaving behind clear spells and isolated showers, though patches of mist and fog may develop overnight as southerly winds ease.

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Wednesday will start off bright and mild, before rain develops in the south and spreads northwards through the evening, turning heavy at times.

Thursday and Friday will bring more cloud and outbreaks of rain or drizzle, while daytime temperatures will stay mild for November, between 8 and 13 degrees.

Met Éireann says the unsettled and relatively mild conditions will continue into the weekend, with further spells of rain or showers expected across the country.