Storm hits power supplies to homes

About 500 homes across Northern Ireland were still without power this morning after a storm caused disruption overnight.

Roads were also closed in parts of Co Down after trees came down as gusts of up to 70mph swept in from the Atlantic.

A number of ferry crossing were expected to be disrupted including the P&O Larne Cairnryan service, along with cancellations on the service between Ballycastle and Rathlin off Co Antrim.

Energy company NIE said at the height of the disruption to power supplies about 4,500 customers faced blackouts.

It said the main areas affected were in the north west and north east and more exposed rural locations.

"NIE's local incident centres across Northern Ireland are open and NIE emergency crews and engineers have been working since early morning to repair damage to the electricity network," the company said.

"Electricity supplies have been restored to around 4,000 customers during the night."

NIE said the damage to power lines, poles and other equipment was caused by flying debris and high winds.

It warned of more disruption as the weather system moves across the country.

"There may also be further faults which have not yet been reported to Northern Ireland Electricity and adverse weather conditions which could cause additional faults are due to continue for the next few hours," the company said.