Thousands Without Power Across The Country After Storm Callum

Thousands of homes and businesses are without electricity this morning after Storm Callum made his presence known across the country last night with 110km/h winds and torrential rain in places.

ESB networks are reporting massive outages in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Kilkenny, Donegal, Galway and Wexford.

Paul Hand of ESB networks told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that crews are working to restore power to people's homes and workplaces, but he warned that it might be mid-morning before crews get to properties on the west coast as the storm is still quite strong in those areas.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group is due to meet at 9 am to assess the situation and the Department of Education has said schools are to remain closed if there is a risk to safety.

In a statement, the D.O.E said, "In all events, and if in any doubt, schools should err on the side of caution. Schools are empowered to make closure decisions if, in their judgment in the interests of child safety, it is prudent to do so."

The Orange Wind Warning for Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Clare will remain in place until 5 pm.

"Southeast winds veering southwest will gust generally between 100 and 130km/h, higher in some coastal areas and on high ground.

"Along with a spell of heavy rain and high tides, there is a risk of coastal flooding and damage."

The orange warning for Cork, Kerry, Dublin, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath and Waterford finished at 9am this morning.