Storm-Hit Power Restored

Electricity has been restored to the homes across Northern Ireland which were left without power following overnight gales.

Northern Ireland Electricity has said most of the homes affected are in counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Antrim.

Julia Carson from NIE said the weather was not as bad as they had feared. "The weather warning didn't reach the levels predicted," she said.

"The network held up very well, it is very robust and again these are very exposed rural and coastal locations."

The Foyle Bridge, which was closed for a time because of the high winds, reopened at midnight, but a 30mph speed restriction is in place.

Overall, Britain is facing severe weather conditions again this week, as a series of storms - the second this week - battered the country.

As well as Northern Ireland, North Wales, northwest England and Scotland felt the brunt of the storms this time around, with winds of up to 85mph affecting some areas, coupled with rain and show.

The Met Office issued warnings of severe gales from all of the UK, with the exception of northern Scotland and southern England, while the Environment Agency has 15 flood warnings and 30 flood watches in place.

The storms could cause disruption to transport and power supplies.

The Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 was closed after three lorries overturned. It is understood that no-one was injured. The Runcorn-Widnes bridge on the A533 has also been closed, with reports of an overturned lorry.

Britain was also hit by storms on Monday, with the worst affected areas being the West Country and South Wales. Air, road and rail travel was disrupted and nearly 12,000 homes were left without electricity.

(BMcC)