Storms leave 25,000 homes without power

Some 25,000 homes have been left without power due to overnight storms.

Northern counties such as Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan are worst affected but parts of the midlands, the east coast and the south west are also experiencing outtages.

The North has been badly hit by blizzards and gale force winds affecting electricity supplies to 48,000 homes.

The ESB's Maol Muire Tynan said emergency crews are working to fix fallen lines.

"The poor weather is directly responsible for the power failures around the country," she said.

"We have had very high winds overnight… fortunately they appear to be abating now so that will allow crews to repair the damage as soon as possible."