Rain warning issued for 18 counties with risk of local flooding

A 24-hour rain warning has been issued for 18 counties from early Tuesday.

The status yellow warning came into effect at 4am on Tuesday and lasts until 4am on Wednesday, with Met Éireann forecasting “persistent and heavy” rain at times.

The forecaster said heavy rain could result in localised flooding, difficult travel conditions and poor visibility.

The status yellow rain warning will be in place for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Tipperary and Waterford.

Outbreaks of rain will be most persistent in the southeast, east and northeast through the day while the southwest and west will see the driest conditions, especially later in the day with sunny spells developing, Met Éireann said.

On Tuesday evening outbreaks of rain will be mainly over Ulster and Leinster before becoming mostly confined to Ulster through the night. Mostly dry conditions with clear spells are expected in the south and west.

Wednesday will see a mix of cloud, sunny spells and scattered showers with the best of the sunshine in Munster and Connacht.

Wet conditions are likely to persist until Friday which is forecast to be “mostly dry” with highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees expected.

Meanwhile, farming research body Teagasc says there is evidence of an “emerging winter feed deficit” following persistently wet weather.

A survey of almost 500 farms carried out by the farm advisory body found that up to 30 per cent of farms are reporting “significant” deficits in winter feed.

The shortage is widespread, with no significant regional bias, though drystock farms in the northwest are closest to reaching the winter feed target of 77 per cent.

Farmers are being urged by Teagasc to assess their winter feed requirements and address gaps by maximising fodder production in the coming weeks and months.

They are also being advised to consider renting extra land for grass silage and to book straw early to ensure supply.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue described the winter and spring months as some of the most difficult experienced in recent years.

“We’ve come out of a very difficult spring,” he said, adding that he will be monitoring the emerging shortage closely.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, he said farmers who did not prepare for winter feed shortages would leave themselves vulnerable.

When asked if extra financial support would be given to farmers, he said: “I’ve already moved this year to provide support where I felt it was necessary and they won’t be found wanting as we go forward.”