Yellow Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Cork, Kerry and Limerick

• Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Cork, Kerry and Limerick, with severe weather expected to impact the region throughout Monday.

The warning, issued at 15:55 on Sunday afternoon, will come into effect from 09:00 on Monday 18 August and remain in place until 18:00 that evening. Thunderstorms are likely to develop across the three Munster counties, bringing the potential for significant disruption to the start of the working week.

Residents and businesses across the affected counties should prepare for lightning damage and possible power outages as thunderstorms move through the region. Met Éireann has specifically highlighted the risk of localised flooding, which could affect low-lying areas and roads prone to surface water accumulation.

The forecaster warns that travelling conditions will likely become difficult during the nine-hour warning period, with heavy downpours potentially reducing visibility and creating hazardous road conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise particular caution on routes including the N20, N22, and M8, where sudden heavy rainfall could create dangerous driving conditions.

The timing of the warning, covering much of the working day on Monday, means commuters should allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes where flooding typically occurs. Those planning outdoor activities or work should review their schedules and take appropriate precautions against lightning strikes.

Cork City and County Council services will be monitoring the situation closely, with crews on standby to respond to any flooding or storm damage reports. Residents in areas prone to flooding should ensure drains and gullies near their properties are clear of debris.

The Status Yellow warning represents the lowest level of Met Éireann's three-tier system but still indicates weather conditions that could pose risks to those caught unprepared. With thunderstorms notoriously difficult to predict in terms of exact location and intensity, the entire warning area should remain vigilant throughout Monday.

Power company ESB Networks typically prepares additional crews during thunderstorm warnings to respond quickly to any outages caused by lightning strikes or wind damage to overhead lines. Customers are advised to report any power issues promptly.

This latest warning follows a period of unsettled weather across Munster, with the atmospheric conditions particularly conducive to thunderstorm development as we move through late August.