Today started mostly dry but saw rain initiating in the west around noon, progressing eastward by evening. Particularly heavy showers in the southwest and south could lead to localized flooding, adding to the precarious weather conditions.

Temperatures will peak between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius during the day before plunging to a chilly 3 to 7 degrees overnight. The night promises continued rainfall and potential foggy patches, making travel risky.

However, a respite seems in sight with Monday forecasted to be predominantly dry, featuring bright, sunny spells and some scattered rain in the northwest. A mild temperature range of 11 to 15 degrees Celsius is expected, providing a brief break from the harsher conditions.

The weather this week will be a mixed bag, with a gradual shift towards milder conditions. Heavy rain will threaten again on Tuesday, particularly affecting southern counties and likely causing additional spot flooding, with temperatures hovering around 12 to 16 degrees.

The rainfall is set to extend into Wednesday morning but will clear from the southwest by afternoon, promising drier conditions as it moves east. Expect warmer temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

As the week progresses, Thursday and Friday are forecast to mirror earlier conditions with intermittent sunny spells and showers, temperatures reaching between 14 to 16 degrees on Thursday and cooling slightly to 12 to 14 degrees on Friday.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Éireann anticipates a continuation of showers on Saturday and a heavier downpour by Sunday, ensuring the wet pattern persists.

Around an hour ago, drivers on the busy Outer Ring Road found themselves at a standstill as Gardaí and emergency crews arrived at the scene between the Airport Road Roundabout and the Farronshoneen Roundabout. The closure of this vital artery has caused considerable disruption, with traffic backups extending several kilometers.

Authorities, led by An Garda Siochana, were quick to address the situation, assessing the scene for safety risks and managing the flow of increasingly congested traffic. In light of the collision, officials have issued a directive urging motorists to seek alternative routes until the area is deemed safe for travel.

As of the latest reports, there have thankfully been no injuries associated with this incident. Emergency personnel on-site have been working diligently to clear the roadway and ensure that no further hazards threaten commuter safety. The swift response underscores the community’s commitment to road safety and the effectiveness of its emergency response protocols.

Local traffic reports suggest that the road closure will likely persist into the evening hours as investigations continue into the cause of the collision. Motorists are advised to stay updated through local news channels and traffic apps to avoid the affected area.

This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the importance of adhering to traffic laws and guidelines. It also highlights the efficiency and readiness of emergency services in Waterford, who play a crucial role in managing such unforeseen disruptions.

The community awaits further updates as crews work on reopening the road, and authorities conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the resilience and cooperation of affected motorists and local residents continue to be crucial in mitigating the impact of this disruption on daily activities.

The Coast Guard received the alert at 5:25 PM, triggering a swift response. The Marine Rescue Coordination Centre in Dublin quickly mobilized a comprehensive search effort. Multiple agencies, including the Helvick Lifeboat, Bunmahon Coast Guard Unit, Ardmore Coast Guard Unit, and the Rescue Helicopter R117, have joined forces to scour the area for the missing kayaker.

As night fell, the Irish Naval Service vessel LÉ Aobhinn took the lead in coordinating the ongoing search efforts. Despite the extensive resources deployed, the search has yet to yield any results, leaving the kayaker’s fate unknown.

The search for the missing kayaker off the coast of Co Waterford highlights the dangers faced by those who venture into the open waters, even for seemingly routine activities like kayaking. Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings or information that could assist in the search.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures when engaging in water-based activities, especially in coastal areas where conditions can change rapidly.

The search operation continues, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The incident took place at approximately 4 pm, near the junction of Military Road and the city center. Emergency services, including paramedics and the Gardaí (Irish police), were quickly on the scene. Despite their best efforts to save him, the teenager was pronounced dead shortly after the accident.

The bus involved in the collision was operated by Bus Éireann. A spokesperson for the company expressed deep condolences to the boy’s family and friends, emphasizing their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

The Gardaí have initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. They are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident. Military Road was closed for several hours to allow for a forensic examination, but it has since reopened to traffic.

The local community is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of the young boy. Local schools and community groups are offering support to his family and friends during this difficult time.

This tragic incident highlights the growing concern over the safety of e-scooters on public roads. E-scooters have become increasingly popular in Irish cities for their convenience and environmental benefits. However, their use has also raised questions about road safety and the need for stricter regulations and better infrastructure to protect both riders and other road users.

In response to this accident, there are calls for the government to accelerate its plans to regulate e-scooter usage more effectively. Current legislation on e-scooters in Ireland is still evolving, with proposals to classify them as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), which would impose certain safety standards and operational restrictions.

The teenager’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with e-scooters and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.