20,000 without electricity due to bad weather

More than 20,000 ESB customers are currently without electricity due to the dire weather conditions this afternoon.

A company spokesman said the majority of homes affected are in the west, northwest, and midlands.

Lightning strikes to a high-voltage line from Galway to Drogheda, high winds, flying debris and falling branches are also causing problems.

Spokesman for the ESB, Kevin McDermott said crews are working to repair damage where they can.

“The main areas that are affected are Longford, Cavan, Monaghan, the Midlands and the north west of the country,” he said.

“Our crews have been working since early this morning to get power back to customers where we can and where it’s safe to do so. Of course where lightening is occurring, it is not safe for our crews to work until it has passed.

“But our crews will be working into the night to get power back to as many customers as possible.”

Mr McDermott also said the bulk of all households will have power by the end of the day, but some may be without electricity overnight.

The Dublin Port Tunnel was also closed for short time due to an electrical fault.

Meanwhile, the AA Roadwatch has warned motorists to take extra care on the roads this afternoon.

Fallen debris and localised flooding is causing havoc in many parts of the country.

County councils are dealing with fallen trees on a lot of the country’s minor roads, with parts of Louth, Kilkenny and the Ennis to Gort Road just some of the areas worst affected.