5,000 homes without power and two surfers rescued by Coast Guard but Kilkenny escapes worst of Storm Jorge

Kilkenny appears to have escaped the worst of Storm Jorge although people are being urged to remain vigilant as a Yellow Weather Alert remains in place until 10pm this evening.

Rivers remain high in the county while some roads are likely to be temporarily flooded and trees down as authorities warn motorists to drive with caution and not to make unnecessary journeys.

The Red Weather warning for counties Clare and Galway expired earlier this afternoon.

Five thousand homes remain without power throughout the country – down from 15,000 earlier in the day – while two surfers had to be rescued by the Coast Guard off Sligo during the worst of the storm.

Exposed coasts, including beaches, piers, promenades and cliffs, should be avoided as strong gusts will continue in the coming hours.

ESB has said its electricity network has held up well despite the high winds from Storm Jorge.

Elsewhere, a number of flights into airports have been forced to divert as a result of Storm Jorge.

At Shannon Airport, a Ryanair flight from Manchester diverted to Belfast International Airport.

Dublin Airport said the strong and gusty winds may cause delays to the flight schedule during the afternoon.

It is advising intending passengers to check the latest flight information with their airline before travelling to the airport.