ALERT: Caution urged Storm Bert warnings remain in place for Carlow
Thousands without power amid flooding and treacherous driving conditions in several parts of the country
Members of the public across County Carlow are being advised to exercise caution as Storm Bert continues to batter much of the country.
There was heavy and persistent rain in places throughout the night and status yellow wind and rain warning remains in place for Carlow until midday while a separate status yellow wind warning for Carlow and six other counties - Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Cork and Kerry - is due to come into effect at 5pm.
Separately, more than 30,000 homes, farms and businesses are without electricity as much of the country is being battered by strong winds and rain associated with Storm Bert.
According to ESB Networks' Powercheck, most of those without power are located along the western seaboard and in the north west of the country in particular.
A large number of faults were reported in the early hours of this Saturday morning and it's understood repair crews are being mobilised and deployed where it is safe and conditions allow.
A number of warnings remain in place - including status red warnings for Cork and Galway and the full extent of the impact of Storm Bert will become clearer later in the day.
Local authorities in the counties worst impacted by Storm Bert are reporting heavy flooding in places and there are several road closures in counties, Cork, Kerry, Sligo and Galway due to flooding or fallen trees.
Those in counties under status red warnings are being urged to "shelter in place' while those in all other counties are being advised to exercise caution and to not make unnecessary journeys.