Strong winds have caused an electricity pylon to crash into two homes in Co Down.

As a result of the exceptionally stormy conditions, some flights have been diverted, delayed or cancelled as a result of severe gusty winds at Dublin Airport.

About 7,000 homes and businesses are without power after storm-force winds battered the country.

Snow drifts and abandoned vehicles continue to hamper efforts to restore power to 800 homes and businesses cut off when blizzard conditions hit the North.

Met Éireann's snow-and-ice weather warning remains in place as more snow is forecast in some parts today.