Six people had to be rescued from two boats at Devenish Island in County Fermanagh after their vessels broke their moorings during Storm Ellen.

While the storm caused widespread flooding and damage in the southern counties of Cork and Kerry, Northern Ireland escaped the worst effects of the winds.

Almost 200,000 customers were left without power as Storm Ellen brought down trees and powerlines across the southern half of Ireland. There were also reports of power outages in Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry.

Damage north of the border was mainly caused by fallen trees, leading to road closures. A Department of Infrastructure (DfI) spokeswoman reported fallen trees right across the North with County Fermanagh appearing to suffer more than other areas although there was also a rockslide on the Coast Road in Larne.

Highest wind speeds were recorded at 89 mph at Roaches' Point in County Cork while gusts of 62 mph were recorded at Thomastown in County Fermanagh.

A DfI spokeswoman said: “DfI staff have been out throughout the night dealing with Storm Ellen related incidents throughout the province.

“There have been a large number of trees falling down and obstructing roads. Road users are advised to exercise extra care traveling this (yesterday) morning and keep an eye out for fallen trees, branches, debris that we may not have been made aware of so far this morning.”

Enniskillen RNLI were called out shortly before 4am yesterday when two vessels moored at Devenish Island's West Jetty broke their moorings. RNLI crews secured the vessels and brought the boats and their six people onboard to Enniskillen safely.

The RNLI's shorecrew was also tasked yesterday morning to secure three vessels which broke their moorings at Lough Erne Yacht Club.

A fresh yellow weather warning was issued for eastern counties by the Met Office yesterday. The warning covers all counties except Counties Derry and Tyrone and remained in place until 5am this morning.