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Power being restored after storms Thousands of homes without power
(about 6 hours later)
About 15,000 households in NI are still without power after high winds caused damage to the electricity network. Nearly 7,000 households in NI are still without power after high winds caused damage to the electricity network.
NIE said a total of 108,000 customers had been affected but that power had been restored to about 93,500 homes. NIE said more than 120,000 customers had been affected by Thursday night's storms but that power had been restored to 113,300 homes and businesses.
Branches falling on power lines has been the main cause of disruption and there are still problems in Ballymena, Craigavon and Newry. Engineers will work late into the night to restore power, but some homes face a second night without electricity.
The areas affected include Craigavon, mid-Ulster and Newry. The NIE customer helpline is 08457 643 643.
Branches falling on power lines has been the main cause of disruption with property also being damaged in the storms.
Winds of up to 70mph swept across many areas as the remnants of Hurricane Gordon struck Northern Ireland.Winds of up to 70mph swept across many areas as the remnants of Hurricane Gordon struck Northern Ireland.
Newry, Craigavon and mid-Ulster have been the worst hit areas.Newry, Craigavon and mid-Ulster have been the worst hit areas.
Motorists were advised to be careful in rural areas as some roads may still be affected by fallen branches.Motorists were advised to be careful in rural areas as some roads may still be affected by fallen branches.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's tomorrow before we get everyone back on to supply Robin GreerNIE spokesman NI weather forecast NIE spokesman Robin Greer said it may be Saturday before all customers are reconnected.I wouldn't be surprised if it's tomorrow before we get everyone back on to supply Robin GreerNIE spokesman NI weather forecast NIE spokesman Robin Greer said it may be Saturday before all customers are reconnected.
"This is going to be a long day - I would expect the majority of customers to be back on supply by tonight," he said. "I would expect the majority of customers to be back on supply by tonight," he said.
"On previous experience, we will be prioritising faults which are dangerous to the public and those which will get the largest number of customers back on supply."On previous experience, we will be prioritising faults which are dangerous to the public and those which will get the largest number of customers back on supply.
"When you get the big faults, that's when you discover the smaller faults that lie further down the network, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's tomorrow before we get everyone back on to supply.""When you get the big faults, that's when you discover the smaller faults that lie further down the network, so I wouldn't be surprised if it's tomorrow before we get everyone back on to supply."
People were advised that if electricity supplies were lost, they should turn off major appliances such as cookers and take extra safety precautions, particularly if using candles or oil lamps.People were advised that if electricity supplies were lost, they should turn off major appliances such as cookers and take extra safety precautions, particularly if using candles or oil lamps.
The remnants of Hurricane Gordon have reached Northern Ireland
Any faults can be reported to NIE's main incident room on 08457 643643.
Some overnight ferries were also affected but Stena said it hoped to accommodate passengers on Friday's later sailings.
Meanwhile, a woman was injured at the K Club in County Kildare after a branch of a tree fell near the golf buggy in which she was travelling.
The media centre for the Ryder Cup was also evacuated as a precaution due to the high winds.
Ryder Cup organisers fear more bad weather may mean playing an extra day.
Hurricane Gordon which passed Portugal's Azores Islands in mid-Atlantic on Wednesday, has been losing power as it hit cooler waters.Hurricane Gordon which passed Portugal's Azores Islands in mid-Atlantic on Wednesday, has been losing power as it hit cooler waters.
But its impact has been felt at the major golf tournament. But its impact has been felt at the Ryder Cup in County Kildare.
On Thursday, a woman was injured after a branch of a tree fell near the golf buggy in which she was travelling.
The media centre for the Ryder Cup was also evacuated as a precaution due to the high winds.