Thousands of homes without power amid wind warnings

James Cox

Updated at 17:23

Thousands of homes are without power as high winds associated with a pair of yellow wind warnings continue to impact the entire country.

Earlier, more than 3,500 homes and business lost electricity in and around Arklow, Co Wicklow.

As the Irish Examiner reports, service was restored to 1,700 or so customers in the Ballybeg area shortly after 11.30am, and to a further 1,700 customers in the Tinahask area by 1.30pm.

Around 3,200 customers also power in Bantry in West Cork, while 2,500 more were impacted in the Castletownbere area.

However, ESB crews were able to restore power to most homes and businesses in West Cork before midday.

As of 2pm, 2,000 homes and businesses had lost electricity in Kilkenny. ESB crews said they are hoping to restore services before 3pm.

A status yellow wind warning is in effect for the whole country until 8pm tonight.

Met Éireann said north west winds will be very strong at times with high waves expected in some parts of the country.

The national forecaster is also warning of difficult driving and cycling conditions with a possibility of debris on the roads.

Met Éireann said: "Today will be very windy with strong to near gale force and gusty west to northwest winds and gales near coasts.

"Highs seas on Atlantic coasts with potential for wave overtopping. It will be cloudy and damp for most with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, though a few bright spells will develop in the north and northeast. Highest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees."