Status yellow thunder warning for Donegal with large hail, localised flooding and lightning possible

The alert was issued by Met Éireann at 3pm.

Meteorologists say thunderstorms could develop today, overnight, and into Friday, with the risk of torrential downpours and localised flooding.

Lightning damage, large hail, hazardous driving conditions and gusty winds are possible, Met Éireann said.

The national meteorological service warns that should they occur the intensity of thunderstorms is ‘expected to be quite impactful’.

"To reflect this a status yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for Connacht and Donegal and will be in effect from 3pm today until 6pm Friday.

“In summary, while today and tonight there is a lower chance of extremely severe thunderstorms developing in the west and northwest, there is a higher chance of somewhat less severe activity tomorrow over a broader area of Ireland,” it stated.

Many areas are not likely to be affected as the storms are expected to be highly localised.

"Although many areas may not be affected, any thunderstorms that do develop could produce dangerous lightning, torrential rainfall, localised flash flooding, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. Conditions can change rapidly,” Met Éireann said.

A status yellow warning for high temperatures remains extant for the whole of the country.

The following advice has been issued:

Follow Met Éireann forecasts and weather warnings.

• If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately.
• If heavy rain begins, avoid driving unless necessary.
• If roads become flooded, turn around and find another route.
• Never drive, walk or cycle through floodwater. Heavy rainfall can cause dangerous flash flooding with little warning.
• If lightning develops, stop outdoor sports including swimming, and seek shelter.
• If hail develops, seek shelter, hail can be damaging to cars, structures, trees, and crops.
• Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Check on vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends.
• Stay weather aware and be prepared to act if conditions deteriorate in your area.

The thundery conditions have been triggered by a weak warm front tracking along the northwest coast of Ireland, closely followed by a cold front overnight.