Thousands without power amid Katia gales

About 4,000 homes are without power after storm force winds swept across the country.

The worst affected areas were Cavan, Longford, Ballina, Co Mayo, Sligo and Donegal as the remnants of Hurricane Katia hit Ireland.

Winds gusting up to 130km/h are expected with the north and north-west expected to bear the brunt of the storm.

The ESB said repair crews have been dispatched to the worst hit areas but further damage cannot be ruled out.

The Coast Guard urged people to take care during the stormy conditions, particularly around the coast and in exposed areas. It urged people to avoid sea or water-based activities and taking dangerous cliff walks alone.

Trees were brought down in Galway city and county while high tides made worse by the gales caused severe flooding along the promenade in Salthill.

In Clare, the Cliffs of Moher visitors’ centre urged people to postpone planned trips to the site while in Limerick flying debris was making driving conditions treacherous.

Road travel in counties Cork, Tipperary, Donegal, Galway and Kildare was also disrupted by fallen trees and branches and flooding.

Elsewhere, the Irish Ferries Swift sailings from Dublin to Holyhead have been cancelled because of rough seas.

Forecasters said winds speeds will range from 50 to 80km/h – with gusts ranging 90 to 130 km/h.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is warning motorists to watch out for fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road. The RSA also said high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

"Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to check local weather forecasts before making journeys," the RSA said.

"If necessary consider delaying your journey until the weather improves."