Ferocious winds Ellen makes it a

THESE were the dramatic images as Storm Ellen unleashed its fury yesterday.

Almost 194,000 homes and businesses in the Republic were hit by power cuts and roads were blocked with fallen trees as winds and rain swept in.

But as the tail of the storm whips through Northern Ireland there is at least a little good news on the weather front.

Forecasters say brighter spells with some warm sunshine should spread across the region today and tomorrow.

It follows a day of chaotic conditions with high winds leaving trees uprooted in several areas and gusts still blowing overnight.

Part of the roof of the O’neills Sportswear company in Strabane collapsed as torrential rain lashed many areas.

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

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

BBC weather forecaster Barra Best, who has been watching

Waves crash over into the street in Whitehead, and (right) part of the roof of the O’neills International Sports Company factory in Strabane, Co Tyrone, collapsed as a result of torrential rain

the storm’s progress throughout Ireland, said: “Gusts of up to 60mph were registered in Northern Ireland during Thursday.

“Thomastown in Co Fermanagh topped the list with gusts of 62mph (100km/h).

“It’s all very unseasonal for August.

“But the high winds will have peaked overnight and there will

be a bit of relief, with Friday and Saturday looking better for anyone trying to get out and about.

“But there is still a wind warning in place for everywhere, except Derry and Fermanagh.

“And we can still expect some spells of torrential rain, hail and thunderstorms, which could lead to some flooding in places.

“While there will still be a few