Image copyright Niall Carson/PA Wire

Northern Ireland escaped the worst of Storm Ellen, but high winds and heavy rain caused damage in southern parts of the island.

Several roads across Northern Ireland have been blocked by fallen trees and about 400 households were hit by power cuts.

TrafficwatchNI reported fallen trees in all six counties in Northern Ireland, with County Fermanagh worst affected.

In the Republic of Ireland, power cuts affected at least 194,000 customers.

Southern, western and midland counties in the Republic of Ireland bore the brunt of the storm, but County Cork saw the strongest winds and coastal flooding.

In County Fermanagh, six people were rescued from two boats at Devenish Island when the vessels began breaking their moorings in the early hours of the morning.

Enniskillen RNLI said its volunteers secured the boats and brought all six people safely into Enniskillen on its lifeboat.

Ahead of the storm's arrival, Ireland's meteorological service Met Éireann had issued its highest level weather warning - status red - for County Cork and advised people to remain indoors.

Several parts of Cork saw flooding, including Skibbereen, Kinsale, Middleton and Bantry, while waves spilled over the seafront wall at Youghal.

Cork also recorded the highest inland winds, with gust reaching 89mph (143km/h) at Roches Point.

In Northern Ireland, Thomastown in County Fermanagh topped the list with gusts of 62mph (100km/h).

Out to sea, gusts of up to 112mph (180km/h) were recorded from a buoy off the southern coast of the island.

The Republic of Ireland's electricity operator, ESB Networks, said gale force winds had caused significant and widespread damage to the electricity network, "affecting more than 194,000 homes, farms and businesses".

"Approximately 40,000 homes, farms and businesses in Cork city and county are without power," ESB added.

"The damage is mainly attributable to fallen as a result of the high winds."

In Northern Ireland, the Met Office had issued a yellow warning for strong winds.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland tweeted on Thursday morning that it had received reports of a number of fallen trees and debris lying on roads.

It said the Roads Service had been informed, but warned drivers to take care.

The latest information on power cuts in Northern Ireland can be accessed on NIE Network's website.

BBC NI weather forecaster Cecelia Daly said winds will ease later on Thursday morning, leaving dry conditions for a brief period.

However, heavy showers are forecast from Thursday afternoon onwards, with a risk of thunder and lightning and more strong winds.

The latest information on power cuts in Northern Ireland can be accessed on NIE Network's website.