Storm Barra: Thousands across Northern Ireland hit by power cuts as 70mph winds and rain batter UK
Barbara McCann reports from Newcastle, Co Down
An estimated 60,000 households have been struck by power cuts across the island of Ireland as Storm Barra sweeps in, bringing heavy rain and gales of up to 70mph.
The wild weather whipped up stormy seas, downed trees, and sparked widespread travel disruption on Tuesday, as authorities warned people to steer clear of coastlines.
A yellow weather warning for heavy rain and winds came into effect from 6am on Tuesday morning and remains in place until Wednesday morning.
Experts say there is a continued risk of both travel disruption and flooding across the island.
Thousands of customers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were left without power on Tuesday due to damage to the network caused by the storm.
Energy supplier NIE Networks said as of 2pm, there were around 4,000 electricity customers without power across Northern Ireland.
In the Republic of Ireland, 56,000 homes had been left without power by mid-afternoon Tuesday.
Irish Government officials have warned households struck by power cuts in the Republic that they may not be reconnected for a number of days.
Cork, Kerry and Clare were given the most severe 'red' warning, while an orange level warning is in place for much of the east and west coast.
The weather warning for wind from Met Éireann was upgraded for Donegal to orange, meaning dangerous weather conditions could pose a threat to life and property.
Gales of 70mph off the south-west coast of Cork have been recorded and flooding is affecting towns and cities of Cork and Limerick.
Northern Ireland areas affected by power cuts included Downpatrick, Newtownards, Newry, Coleraine, Dungannon and Craigavon.
However, NIE said the network had held up well overall, with Storm Barra having had a relatively low impact so far.
Sleet and snow made conditions difficult for those making the morning commute in the north west, with vehicles having to clear the roads on the Glenshane Pass in Co Londonderry.
In Belfast, high winds downed trees in the grounds of Northern Ireland's Parliament Buildings.
The Christmas market in the grounds of Belfast City Hall has also been closed, with organisers saying they will review the situation later in the afternoon.
The east coast of Northern Ireland is also being battered, with reports of fallen trees and ferry service cancelled between Strangford and Portadown.
The Stenaline service between Belfast and Cairnryan is also disrupted.
Schools, colleges and creches in some of the worst affected areas will remain closed in the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, amid warnings that no part of the island will escape from the effects of the major storm.
Covid-19 test and vaccination centres will also remain closed in some parts of the country.
Met Éireann has warned that continued disruption to travel and the power supply are likely, along with coastal flooding.
Gardaí have urged anyone living in areas affected by red or orange warnings to avoid unnecessary travel.
The Irish Coast Guard has urged the public to avoid any activities that could expose them to “unnecessary danger”.
Defence Force troops are on standby, alongside members of Civil Defence.
Households and business struck by power cuts in Northern Ireland due to Storm Barra are being urged to report it and call 03457 643 643 immediately in a dangerous situation.