Met Eireann has issued its highest weather warning as storm Desmond sweeps across the country.

A red rainfall alert is in place in for all of Connacht, as well as counties Donegal, Clare and Kerry where up to 60 millimetres of rain is forecast.

The ESB is struggling to return power to thousands of customers around the country who've been left in the dark.

Motorists are being warned to avoid all unnecessary travel.