43 killed as storms batter Europe

At least 43 people are dead as heavy storms continue to sweep through Europe today.

Millions of homes in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic have been hit by power cuts.

Roads, rail lines and electricity pylons have been taken out of action across Northern Europe by falling trees and flying debris.

Britain has been hit by the strongest gales in more than 15 years, resulting in 11 deaths.

Met Éireann's Vincent O'Shea said that the worst of the gales are over for Ireland, but that we can expect a major cold snap during the next few days.