Heavy rain weather warning for parts of NI

Heavy rain could lead to flooding and transport disruption for parts of Northern Ireland.

The Met Office has issued a warning for rain mainly for counties Antrim and Down until 18:00 BST on Thursday.

The overnight downpours are expected to have affected several regions, with the most significant rainfall predicted towards the east coast.

The weather service predicted about 30 to 50mm of rain could fall widely.

Higher ground such as the Mourne Mountains could see up to 80mm of rain accumulating.

Despite the recent dry conditions, the heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in vulnerable areas and cause disruption.

The rain is expected to ease by late Thursday morning, bringing a gradual improvement in conditions.

This comes after what has been a dry September across Northern Ireland so far.

Parts of County Down have only had about 12% of the average rainfall.

The wetter areas have by in large been in County Antrim especially the Glens area.

The rainfall total from the weather alert period could mean make a big difference to the monthly figure and some places may end up with a wetter than average September.

The Republic of Ireland's weather service also issued a status yellow alert, in place until 20:00 local time on Thursday.

Met Éireann's rain and wind warning affects counties Dublin, Louth, Meath and Wicklow.

The organisation is expecting rain to be heavy at times, with strong winds along coastal areas and on higher ground.

Residents are being urged to prepare for potential disruptions.