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Thousands of homes without power Thousands of homes without power
(about 12 hours later)
Nearly 7,000 households in NI are still without power after high winds caused damage to the electricity network. Nearly 4,000 households in NI are still without power after high winds caused damage to the electricity network.
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. NIE said more than 120,000 customers had been affected by Thursday night's storms but that power had been restored to 122,000 homes and businesses.
Engineers will work late into the night to restore power, but some homes face a second night without electricity. Engineers have been working overnight 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.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. NIE said it intended to have all customers restored to power on Saturday.
Branches falling on power lines was 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.
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 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.
"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.
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 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.