Andrew Carey
MET eireann issued a weather warning this morning at 7am and it is continue through today as storms, gales and hail showers continue to batter the country.
A lightening strike in the south of the country in overnight storms left up to 7,000 homes without power but some 3,000 are restored.
However homes in County Limerick and parts of Clare have also been sporadically darkened as power outages are reported.
The Orange status weather warning comes with recommendations from An Garda Siochana that all unnecessary travel should be avoided as weather conditions hamper roads with localized flooding.
ESB networks crews are working to restore all homes to power while the company say that extra crews will be on standby over Christmas in case of outages.
A yellow marine weather alert is in place as where gusts from the southwest hit 100km/h while last nights storm had winds reaching 120km/h in parts.
A number of sailings have been delayed or cancelled and anyone with any travel plans should check with operators.
