Homes without power in Northern Ireland

Around a thousand homes are without power in Northern Ireland following gale force winds.

Northern Ireland Electricity had 900 emergency staff on standby from early morning ready to tackle breaks in service.

A spokesman says around 1,000 customers are without power at Limavady, Co Derry, Dungiven, Co Tyrone and outside Downpatrick, Co Down.

Five hundred more have already been re-connected, adds Robin Greer.

More power cuts are expected as the gales continue through the day and on to Saturday night.

Mr Greer the engineers, linesmen and call centre staff will remain on station to ensure repairs are made as fast as possible.

On Monday over 45,000 users were blacked out when electricity lines were damaged by winds gusting at up to 90mph. They were all reconnected within a day.