Status Orange thunderstorm warning issued over ‘severe lightning and hail damage’

'Slippy roads, impaired visibility and spot flooding. Potential for severe lightning and hail damage.'

The Status Orange warning only applies to Cork, Ireland's biggest county. It is currently in effect and will be valid until 4pm on Wednesday (27 May).

The alert reads: "Widespread thunderstorms moving up from the south today.

"Slippy roads, impaired visibility and spot flooding. Potential for severe lightning and hail damage."

A Status Yellow warning has also been issued for Cork, alongside Kerry, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford.

Also, already in effect, the alert is scheduled to remain in place until 7pm on Wednesday.

The warning states: "Scattered thunderstorms moving up from the south today.

"Slippy roads and impaired visibility, where showers hit. Potential for lightning and hail damage."

The thunderstorm alerts come as a Status Yellow High Temperature warning is in effect for Clare, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Offaly, and Tipperary.

Valid until 6pm on Wednesday, it reads: "Maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15°C expected."

As for potential impacts of the high temperatures, Met Éireann lists:

• Heat stress

• Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches

• Forest fires a possibility

• Uncomfortable sleeping conditions

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