The roof of a Dunnes Stores supermarket in Kerry collapsed today after torrential rain hit the county on Saturday.
The shop on North Circular Road in Tralee had to be evacuated as a result as the shop became flooded. The rain water caused significant damage and the Dunnes Stores is now closed.
Shocking clips were uploaded online that show rain pouring through the ceiling of the supermarket. The footage shows pieces of the ceiling falling in as plastic tubs on the floor attempt to collect the heavy rainwater.
READ MORE: Met Eireann issues new Status Orange thunderstorm alert for 11 counties
Alan O'Reilly who runs the Carlow Weather Twitter account shared a clip of the damage in Dunnes Stores.
He wrote: "Dunnes Stores in Tralee was evacuated after flash flooding hit. Reports of intense rainfall and local flooding coming in from many areas now as thunderstorms hit."
Other buildings in Tralee have also faced damage as videos taken around Tralee today show rainwater surging through the town's streets, with pedestrians having to wade their way through the water.
Meanwhile, University Hospital Kerry had to close a number of areas in the hospital on Saturday due to flood damage and asked people to only attend the hospital in an emergency.
In a statement, the University Hospital Kerry said: "UHK has been impacted by the heavy rain fall in the Tralee area this afternoon Saturday 17th June, 2023.
"Management at the hospital have had to close a number of areas in the hospital and are appealing to the public to only present at the Emergency Department, if it is an emergency situation."
A major Status Yellow weather warning for both thunderstorms and rain remains in place for most of the country until 11pm tonight, with just four counties left out of the two warnings.
The counties affected by the Yellow Alert are: Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Connacht.
Those in the affected areas are being warned to prepare for thunderstorms with frequent lightning, torrential downpours, strong winds and even the chance of hail.
Among the concerns is the risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, strong winds may lead to tree branches breaking, loose objects being blown around and potential damage to structures so motorists are being advised to exercise caution when travelling in the affected areas.
The alert reads: “Thunderstorms bringing frequent lightning, heavy downpours, gusty winds, and a chance of hail. Possible impacts: Localised flooding, Difficult travelling conditions.”
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