Tipperary weather alert - heavy rain, sleet and maybe snow to follow and roads flooded

Motorists have been warned of dangerous road conditions in Tipperary today following heavy overnight rain that is set to continue throughout much of the day.

There have already been report of roads flooded in both the south and north of the county with care advised on all roads.

And mild weather is expected to turn colder over the coming day with sleet and possibly snow forecast.

Very cold weather is forecast for Saturday.

The Nenagh/Thurles Rd (R498) is flooded at Kilkeary outside Nenagh. Gardaí advise extreme caution.

Gardai are also warning of surface water on the M7 Dublin/Limerick Rd between J22 Roscrea and J25 Nenagh Centre.

Meanwhile there is flooding on the Kilmeaden/Carrick-on-Suir Rd (R680) at Pouldrews bends, north of the N25 jct.

With Status Yellow rain warning for the entire country, Met Eireann report a  wet start to the day with widespread heavy and possibly thundery rain and localised flooding, especially over Leinster where it will also be rather windy. 

Mild at first over much of Munster and Leinster with midday temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees Celsius, but quickly turning colder during the afternoon. 

Much colder throughout the day over Ulster and Connacht, with highest temperatures of only 3 to 6 degrees Celsius. 

Rain easing by this afternoon across all but east and southeast counties. Southwest winds will veer northwest as the cold air sinks down into all areas, brisk at times.

The last of the rain will eventually clear eastern areas early tonight with drier clearer weather developing for a time everywhere.

 West to southwest winds will however increase fresh and gusty overnight, as wintry showers feed down from the northwest later. 

A few sleet and snow flurries possible over the hills and mountains of the north and northwest. Frost too, mainly for sheltered areas. Lowest temperatuers of 0 to 3 degrees Celsius.