Over 20,000 left without power as Storm Emma battered the country last night

Over 20,000 homes and businesses are left without power this power after Storm Emma battered the country last night.

The ESB reports that over 23,800 properties suffered power outages throughout the night due to faults caused by the storm. The worst affected area is north Dublin, with major disruptions to Skerries, Swords, and Lusk. The ESB's powercheck currently states that there are power outages in Swords, Rathmines, Glasthule, Rathnew, Saggart, Navan, Duleek, and many other areas. Dublin City Centre also suffered major service disruptions during the night A full list of outages can be found here on the ESB's website. The ESB has said to never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and to keep children and animals away. Electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. must be switched off if the electricity supply is lost, and candles, oil lamps, and other naked flames must be used with caution. Ensure adequate ventilation is possible if using gas heaters and leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored. https://twitter.com/ESBNetworks/status/969170201173544961 Speaking on PrimeTime last night, Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy said that service interruptions were expected but not to such a high degree. He also said that due to the high levels of snow, it would take longer for power to be restored. Overnight, it was expected that up to a metre of snow was set to fall in many parts of Dublin and Wicklow. The ESB has said it could be 8pm tonight before power is restored to many parts of the country. Damage can be reported to ESB Networks on 1850 372 999.