Farms are among the some 18,000 premises, mainly in the west and south-west, that are without power this morning (Wednesday, September 30) following high winds overnight.

Met Éireann had issued a number of status yellow weather warnings for wind yesterday (Tuesday, September 29), including for all of Munster, and counties in Connacht.

While those warnings have now expired, ESB Networks confirmed that thousands are without electricity this morning as a result.

ESB Networks said that its crews have been deployed "since first light" in all impacted areas to continue to restore power.

The ESB said those restoration efforts "will endure throughout the day", with the vast majority of impacted customers expected to have supply restored by this evening.

"We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes and thank impacted customers for their patience," ESB Networks said.

The ESB stressed that, if you come across fallen wires and damaged electricity network, you should never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous.

Any damage to electricity infrastructure should be reported by calling 1800 372 999.

Weather

A status yellow warning for wind was issued by Met Éireann for all of Munster, which was in place until 9:00p.m last night.

A further status yellow warning for wind, impacting counties Galway, Mayo and Sligo, was also in place until 9:00p.m.

Both regions saw very strong and gusty south-easterly winds. Fallen trees and branches were expected in these areas.

While the windy conditions have now subsided, the weather is likely to remain fairly mixed in the days ahead.

This morning, heavy showers with thunderstorms will affect Munster. Today will be a bright, fresh day across the country with a mix of sunny spells and showers.

Some of the showers will be heavy with a chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Highest temperatures today are expected to be 14° to 18° with moderate to fresh southerly winds, decreasing mostly moderate later in the day.

Tonight will become dry in many areas with clear spells as showers gradually become confined to western counties. Lowest temperatures will be 5° to 9° with light to moderate southerly breezes.