Thunderstorms leave hundreds without power in Cork and Kerry

Severe thunderstorms have caused power outages across parts of Cork and Kerry today.

The ESB PowerCheck website shows hundreds of homes and businesses without electricity following multiple lightning strikes in the south and southwest since late morning.

Met Éireann had issued a Status Yellow thunderstorm warning for Cork, Kerry and Limerick, valid until 6pm. The advisory highlights the risk of lightning strikes, spot flooding, power outages and travel disruption.

The worst affected areas include Mallow, Ballinascarty and Leap in Co Cork, and Sneem, Rathmore and Kilmoyley in Co Kerry.

Rainfall radar indicates further thunderstorm activity through the afternoon. Scattered showers are also affecting south Leinster, the midlands and parts of south Connacht.

The disruption follows a turbulent weekend in the southwest. On Saturday, parts of Kerry and west Clare experienced intense thunderstorms, with heavy lightning cutting electricity to hundreds of homes.

Beyond today’s rain and showers, conditions are expected to improve. The week will bring largely dry and warm weather, with temperatures remaining above the seasonal average and sunny spells for all regions. A shift to a more unsettled Atlantic pattern is likely from the middle of next week.