Flash flooding hits west county Limerick

Heavy deluges of rain have left emergency services dealing with major flooding in county Limerick Thursday evening.

Locals tell the Limerick NewsWire that the town of Newcastle West has been hit with some flash flooding with fire services from Newcastle West backed up by units from Foynes, Abbeyfeale and Rathkeale, working around the clock to pump flood waters from premises around the townland.

Numerous premises are affected including a local convent, a nursing home, along with the award winning Cube Hair Salon in the town. Some houses in the area are reported to be under a foot and a half of water. An major cleanup operation is underway.

The townlands of Glin , Althea , Monegea ,Feenagh , Ballingarry , Ardagh and Castlemahon have also experienced major flooding.

Although no injuries have been reported so far as a result of the flooding, at least three people have had to be rescued from cars which were caught in rising waters.

AA Roadwatch is warning motorists to drive with extreme care due very wet road conditions in parts around the country, with localised flooding to watch out for in rural areas.

More details as they become available.