20,000 homes are still without power this morning after lightning blacked out parts of Cork, Wexford and Kilkenny.

ESB Networks crews were unable to carry out repairs before this morning due to the severe weather.

The main areas affected are Cork, especially Clonakilty, Dunmanway, and Bandon; Gorey and Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, and Thomastown in Co Kilkenny.

Crews are expected to begin restoring power to customers at first light this morning.