Flooding concern deepens as new rainfall warning now in effect

Concern is growing about the potential for more flooding in the aftermath of Storm Ellen, with a new rainfall warning for Ireland now in effect for the rest of today (Thursday) and on into tomorrow.

Overnight, the storm had a more serious impact on the Midlands than was originally anticipated, with thousands of ESB customers in the region affected by power outages.

And now sweeping spells of rain are set to drench the country for much of the day, with Met Eireann warning of "heavy squally downpours and thunderstorms" which will potentially cause spot flooding today and tonight.

A yellow-level rainfall warning came into effect for the 26 counties at 9am this morning and is due to remain in place until 5am tomorrow.

Coastal counties in the south and east, which were battered by Storm Ellen, have also been issued with a new yellow-level wind warning from 5pm today until 5am tomorrow.

Cathal Nolan of Ireland's Weather Channel said today's rain will bring a renewed risk of flooding, especially in the south.

"In total, Storm Ellen may result in accumulations of over 100 mm during a 36 hour period, leading to an exacerbation of last weeks flooding issues, having already caused significant flooding in West Cork and parts of Kerry last night," said Cathal.

Even before this week's storm, water levels along the River Shannon were higher than normal for this time of year due to above-average rainfall during the summer months.