Heavy overnight rain forecast in midlands

Met Eireann has issued a yellow rainfall warning for large parts of the country tonight (Sunday) including Offaly.

With Shannon levels already at dangerous level, there are fears that the predicted rain will spark increased flooding along the river.

The national forecaster issued the warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

The warning covers a 12-hour period fro 8pm tonight to 8am tomorrow morning.

Rainfall accumulations of between 20 to 25mm are expected, with higher totals possible in upland areas.

Offaly County Council has said it is continuing to monitor river levels in the county and is prepared for the deployment of defense measures if required should levels continue to rise over the week.

The council crews will also respond to any reports of localised flooding.

The rain is likely to be preceded by a period of sleet and snow in parts of Connacht, Ulster and north Leinster, with hazardous driving conditions for a time, before turning to rain later.

Met Eireann said the rainfall and snowmelt may lead to some localised surface and river flooding.