STORM ELLEN: Over 2,000 homes and businesses in south Kilkenny without power

ESB crews are fighting to restore power to over 2,000 homes in county Waterford this morning after Storm Ellen left a trail of destruction in its wake.

At least 195,000 homes and businesses across Ireland are currently without power this after the storm swept across the Ireland last night.

In Kilkenny, ESB crews are battling to restore power to 2,099 homes and businesses in the Ballyhale area.

A nationwide status yellow wind warning expired at 8am.

Counties Cork, Tipperary, Westmeath, Longford and Limerick were the worst affected by the storm.

An estimated 40,000 homes and businesses are without power in county Cork, 35,000 in county Tipperary, 20,000 in county Westmeath, 15,000 in county Longford and around 12,000 in county Limerick.

In Cork, flooding was reported in Skibbereen, Kinsale, Middleton and Bantry.