Torrential downpour causes traffic mayhem in Athlone

One of the heaviest downpours in Athlone in recent years led to traffic gridlock in the town on Monday afternoon and evening.

At around 3pm the heavens opened and the town effectively came to a standstill with pools of water quickly forming on the streets.

The severe downpour lasted for more than half an hour, and widespread flooding was reported beneath the railway bridges at the Crescent (Ballymahon Road) and near St Vincent's Care Centre (Coosan Point Road).

The flooding led to the Ballymahon Road - one of Athlone's busiest thoroughfares - being closed to traffic for a number of hours this afternoon, with Gardai and Westmeath County Council staff present at the site.

The flooding under the bridge had cleared by 6pm, and the road then reopened to traffic.

Traffic diversions were also put in place this afternoon due to flooding under the railway bridge at the Coosan Point Road.

A yellow-level weather warning for rain and thunderstorms throughout Leinster, and in seven other counties, remains in effect until 10pm tonight.