Caution urged as double weather warning issued for Laois 

Drivers in Laois are being urged to exercise extreme caution as two weather warnings are currently in place for the county. A status yellow rain warning is in place in Laois until 3pm on Thursday, March 12 while a separate yellow wind warning is also in place until 6pm. 

Laois County Council has reminded motorists to take care on the roads as heavy downpours are expected. Possible impacts include spot flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

"A reminder that there is a Status Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland in place until 6pm this evening with strong and gusty southwesterly winds, added the statement from the Council. Possible impacts include difficult travelling conditions, debris or loose objects displaced and some fallen branches or trees.

"Please take care on the roads - reduce your speed, allow extra distance between vehicles and take care where surface water may be present on the road," said a spokesperson for the local authority. The rain and wind warning is in place across the entire island. Meanwhile Met Eireann has also advised of the possibility of snow in Leinster on Thursday night. 

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"Windy today, Thursday, and becoming wet with rain, spreading from the west this morning and turning heavy at times with spot flooding possible. The rain will gradually clear southeastwards this afternoon and evening and it will turn colder with showers following. Afternoon highs of 7 to 12 degrees, coldest in the northwest of the region," the forecaster said. 

"Cold with clear spells and scattered blustery showers tonight, some possibly turning heavy. Some of the showers will be a wintry mix of rain, hail, and sleet, with temporary lying snow possible, mainly about higher ground. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees in moderate to fresh, occasionally strong and gusty southwesterly winds."