Storms cut power supplies

Gales blew down hoardings in Belfast

High winds have caused damage to the Northern Ireland's electricity network leaving 4,700 homes without power.

Gales of up to 60 miles an hour swept the province on Wednesday afternoon, knocking about 6,000 homes off supply.

Northern Ireland Electricity said the problems have been scattered throughout the province.

Some of the worst affected areas have been Coleraine in County Londonderry to Ballymena in County Antrim, Craigavon in County Armagh and Downpatrick in County Down.

'State of alert'

NIE spokesman Robin Greer said the company it hoped that all of the faults would be repaired by Wednesday evening.

He said additional engineers, telephone staff and administrative staff have been called in to help deal with the problems.

Faults have been caused by fallen electricity poles and trees knocking down cables.