Thunderstorm Warning Issued as Lightning Causes Power Outages

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the east and midlands, following a dramatic evening of severe weather that swept across the west of Ireland on Sunday.

The warning, in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, and Wicklow, highlights the risk of lightning damage, with further thunderstorms possible through Monday.

A separate Rain and Thunderstorm warning has been introduced for Clare, Kerry, Limerick, and Galway, valid from 7pm Monday to 7am Tuesday.

Sunday evening brought intense downpours, frequent lightning, and widespread thunderstorm activity across Connacht, with numerous lightning strikes and extensive power outages reported in parts of Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, and Sligo.

In northwest Mayo, around 150 premises remain without electricity in the Belmullet area, according to ESB Networks. Crews are continuing efforts to restore supply after lightning knocked out lines during the worst of the storms.

The unsettled spell marks a sharp end to last week’s warm, settled weather, with conditions turning increasingly unstable. Met Éireann is advising the public to remain cautious, especially during lightning events, and to stay indoors where possible during thunderstorm activity.

Further showers, some heavy and thundery, are expected throughout the day. The unsettled pattern will continue through to next weekend.