'Mini tornado' damages 100 houses

Dozens of families were clearing up storm debris tonight after a “mini-tornado” damaged around 100 houses in the Republic of Ireland.

The sudden squall ripped slates from roofs, smashed windows and overturned sheds and cars at around 1pm.

The worst affected area covered three housing estates in Clonee in Co Meath on the Dublin border.

Gardaí and fire officers said it was amazing nobody was injured.

A main road between the Hansfield, Castaheaney and Hunters Run estates was closed off and residents were urged to stay indoors.

“There is still a danger of falling branches and slates,” said one fire officer.

Earlier, residents fled into their homes as the freak storm swept through their estates.

One resident said: “It got very dark and blustery. I saw a flash of lightning and then the house started to shake. It was the most frightening thing I have ever gone through.

“It felt like an earthquake or a mini tornado.”

Local fire service said they responded to dozens of calls reporting structural damage in Cos Dublin, Meath, northeast Kildare and Louth.

Fallen trees were reported in the Tallaght area of Dublin and a local road was closed until further notice because of fallen trees and power lines.

All Irish Ferries Swift sailings on the Dublin to Holyhead route were been cancelled.

There were 80mph winds at Dublin Airport which caused two parked planes to collide.

The unoccupied Aer Lingus A330 Airbus planes were on a ramp beside the terminal building when a sudden gale dislodged them around 1pm.

The nose of one aircraft suddenly struck the body of the adjacent aircraft under its wing area.

Passengers had been due to embark on one plane and depart for New York via Shannon at 1.30pm.

Up to 600 transatlantic passengers were being accommodated in hotels overnight while Aer Lingus arranged alternative aircraft tomorrow.