A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for the western half of the country from tonight.

It will apply to Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Donegal and Connacht from midnight.

Met Éireann is forecasting heavy and persistent rain which could lead to flooding and travel disruptions.

Spells of rain will be heavy and persistent at times with totals of 30 to 60mm, locally higher on hills.

The rain will ease off for a time in many parts on Tuesday daytime, before heavy spells of rain return Tuesday evening and night – ending at 6am on Wednesday.