ALERT: Met Eireann warns of 'heavy and persistent rain' in Clare ahead of the weekend

Met Éireann is warning of heavy and persistent rain in parts of County Clare this Thursday which may lead to localised flooding.

The forecaster has issued status yellow rain warnings for several counties including Clare, Limerick, Galway, Mayo, Cork and Kerry.

The warning for Clare is due to come into effect at 3pm on Thursday and it will remain valid until 3am on Friday.

According to Met Éireann, potential impacts include localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

Clare County Council is monitoring the situation and motorists are being urged to exercise caution if travelling during any bad weather. 

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Meanwhile, the status yellow rain warning, which has been issued for Cork and Kerry, says there is a possibility of thunderstorms in addition to heavy rain.

That warning will be in place from 3pm on Thursday until 1pm on Friday.

In its latest forecast, Met Éireann says it will be 'wet and breezy with widespread rain' on Thursday evening.

"The rain will be heaviest in Munster and Leinster and may cause localised flooding. Northerly winds will be mostly moderate to fresh and gusty, but will become strong in Munster. Lowest temperatures ranging between 9 degrees in the northwest and 14 degrees in the southeast."