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10,000 properties without power after storms

Owen Anderson Lightning pictured in the distance coming from a grey cloudy sky. The sea is at the bottom of the photo.Owen Anderson
The intense electrical activity resulted in widespread power outages

About 10,000 properties in the Republic of Ireland are without power after thunderstorms.

Lightning strikes were recorded across the island from late on Sunday night until about 07:00 on Monday.

ESB Networks said that as of 15:00 local time on Monday, 10,000 homes, farms and businesses were still without power. It said the areas most affected include counties Athlone, Galway, Mayo and Offaly.

About 400 properties lost power in Northern Ireland.

Gareth McFarland Lightning across the sky. The sky is a lilac and blue colour. There are trees and grass beneath it.Gareth McFarland
The storms brought warm temperatures to parts of Northern Ireland

The weather system, which moved rapidly across the island, brought with it one of the most spectacular lightning displays in recent years.

NIE, which provides power to Northern Ireland, said power had now been restored to most of their customers.

They also said all remaining outages have "had resources allocated".

ESB Network, which provides energy for the Republic of Ireland, said it was working to "restore power to all customers and repair damage to the infrastructure".

It said parts of the midlands, west, north west and south west were particularly affected.

It apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused.

Raymond McCarron Lightning pictured in a dark night sky.Raymond McCarron
Lightning seen over Tyrone and Donegal

Weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms had been issued by the Met Office and Met Éireann but have now expired.

The intense weather also came with warm overnight conditions with temperatures in parts of Northern Ireland falling no lower than 18C.

Temperatures have been on the rise over recent days, with the peak of the current hot spell expected today.