Storm Barra leaves thousands without power in Ireland

At least 56,000 homes and firms affected, with warning that storm could pose danger to life as it reaches UK

More than 56,000 homes and businesses in Ireland have been left without power after Storm Barra made landfall, with winds gusting up to 80mph (130km/h) as it moved east throughout the day.

Heavy rain, sleet and snow fell on Tuesday over the north-west of Ireland and Scotland, threatening further disruption to areas only just recovering from lengthy power cuts in the wake of Storm Arwen. .