Wind Turbine Off Wicklow Coast Hit By Lightning During Inclement Weather

A wind turbine appears to have been struck by lightning off the Arklow coast.

An off-shore wind turbine operated by GE Renewables off the Arklow coast has been struck by lightning and is currently on fire.

The company which manages the turbine says once conditions improve they will be able to assess the structure and determine what happened.

In a statement GE Renewables says there were no injuries and the Coast Guard has been notified.

It comes as Met Eireann issues a new status orange thunderstorm warning for Wicklow that will remain valid until 5 O' Clock this evening.

Counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath are also affected with Met Éireann warning of "intense" lightning strikes.

A Status Orange rainfall warning is also in effect until midnight for Waterford, Wicklow and Wexford, with the forecaster warning of very heavy rain.