LATEST: 'Unprecedented' numbers without power amid 'damaging and destructive' Storm Éowyn

The number of homes, farms and businesses without power due to Storm Éowyn has hit unprecedented levels - surpassing the number impacted by the recent cold snap.

ESB Networks says "extreme, damaging and destructive" winds associated with Storm Éowyn have continued to cause widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country with over 715,000 homes, farms and businesses without power, as of 8am.

Every county in Ireland remains under a Met Éireann status red warning and more power outages can be expected throughout the day as the storm tracks northwards.

ESB Networks says it is continuing to closely monitor the storm impact on power supplies and all available resources stand ready to mobilise once safe to do so. 

READ ALSO: ALERT: Road closure in place following 'serious' road crash during Storm Éowyn

At current numbers, it says the damage to the electricity network and the impact on customers has been unprecedented. 
 
"From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days.  Given the extent of the damage nationwide estimated restoration times (ERTs) will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults," said a spokesperson.

Where possible, updates will be available to view throughout on PowerCheck.ie. 

"Our customer contact Centre agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Éowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted," added the spokesperson.

Members of the public are being advised that if they come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network to never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.

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