Thunderstorms leave 6,000 buildings without power

Some 6,000 homes and businesses are without power in parts of the midlands and northwest.

Thunder and lightning storms have caused disruption to the power network. ESB crews are out trying to restore power.

Met Éireann have put a Status Orange thunder warning in place for much of the country. Lightning was particularly intense in parts of Co Donegal on Monday evening.

Status orange level weather warnings are issued to householders in order to give them an opportunity to prepare for adverse weather conditions.

They are warning of heavy thundery downpours across Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath and Meath.

Localised flooding may also occur, particularly across the midlands and northwest.