Lightning strikes have left 6000 ESB customers without power this evening after freak storms in the Midlands and west of the country.

The ESB has said most of the affected customers are in counties Meath, Westmeath, Cavan, Sligo and Mayo.

They have said power should be restored to all areas later tonight.

Meanwhile Met Éireann has put a status orange thunder warning in place for much of the country.

Localised flooding may also occur, particularly across the Midlands and northwest of Ireland.

READ MORE: Flood warnings in parts as weather takes turn for worse