Avoid baths, stay off the phone and other dangers during Ireland's thunder and lighting storms amid Met Eireann warning

Much of the country will remain under a status orange thunderstorm warning until later today as Ireland's heatwave ends with a loud bang.

Parts of the country were leathered with heavy rain and saw dramatic lightning light up skies as they warm, dry weather finally came to an end.

A warning for the entire country ends at 9am today but Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and all of Munster remain under the orange alert until 4pm today.

Read more: Met Eireann extend Orange warning as expert gives chance for return of sunshine

A Met Eireann forecaster said: "Thunderstorm activity expected. Due to the sporadic nature of development, not all areas will be affected. Heavy downpours of rain and hail will occur in places. Flooding where heavy downpours occur."

But is thunder and lightning dangerous? Here's all you need to know thanks to the UK's Met Office.

(PA)

What to do and not to do in a thunderstorm

• Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
• Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.
• Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
• If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
• If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

Driving in a thunderstorm

The Met Office says: "If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground."

READ NEXT:

• Jailed former garda Paul Moody to be moved from high-security Midlands Prison

• Garth Brooks fans faced with eye-watering hotel rates ahead of Croke Park gigs

• Jim Gavin ranks All-Ireland wins as a player among most memorable GAA moments

• Funeral of Eamon Ryan's mother hears granddaughter held her hand after accident

• Gary Neville's clash with Jamie Redknapp in full - "look at me when I'm talking to you"

Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter