A supermarket in the west of Ireland was evacuated after severe flooding partially collapsed the roof.
A supermarket and cinema were forced to close last night due to flooding in Tralee, Co Kerry.
People had to be evacuated from the cinema amid flooding, while it's reported the Dunnes supermarket shut due to its roof partially collapsing.
Thousands of homes and businesses are without power after lightning strikes caused further damage to ESB Networks overnight.
It follows yesterday's Orange level thunderstorm which impacted several counties, particularly in the west and midwest.
Dunnes Stores in Tralee was evacuated after flash flooding hit. Reports of intense rainfall and local flooding coming in from many areas now as thunderstorms hit. pic.twitter.com/I55tX4DYXz
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) June 17, 2023
Local Councillor Cathal Foley said homes and businesses across Tralee are flooded as manhole covers popped up with water gushing down streets.
“There were a lot of smaller businesses in the town centre that hadn't flooded in many, many decades,” he said. “People never saw the like, not for years.”
Two lifeguards on Banna Beach were also taken to hospital for minor injuries following lightning strikes.
'Stay indoors'
Cllr Foley encouraged all Tralee residents to stay indoors for the time being.
“Kerry County Council are asking people to stay indoors and avoid beaches, because in the meantime, there was lightning strikes also which damaged the number of roads around Tralee,” he said.
Carlow Weather spokesperson Alan O’Reilly said to expect further harsh weather conditions, particularly in the west.
“The western half of the country is at highest risk but anywhere could see a shower and some of those showers once again will be thundery with potential for some local spot flooding,” he said.
ESB crews have been mobilising since early this morning to restore supplies and real-time updates are available on www.powercheck.ie.
The ESB are also reminding the public to call then immediately on 1800 372999 if they spot a lightning strike causing damage to any of their infrastructure.
