OPHELIA LATEST: Carrick residents are allowed back in their homes

Q Radio News

There is a warning parts of Northern Ireland will likely be without power overnight.

Around 11,000 NIE customers are currently without electricity with Southern and Eastern areas of the province are the worst affected.

Storm Ophelia has brought gale force winds which have whipped up waves.

The RNLI has warned people to stay away from the sea during the extreme weather.

Videos don't do it justice. Gale force winds now hitting Donaghadee as Storm Ophelia makes her arrival felt @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/0y0DvmCMng

— Hannah Spratt (@Radio_Han) October 16, 2017

In Carrickfergus, a number of apartments have been evacuated in the Rodgers Quay area.

There is a chance of tidal surges which could cause flooding.

The advice is not to drive unless it's absolutely necessary.

On the Mid and East Antrim Coast police have spotted people trying to take photos of the waves.

Meanwhile in Donaghadee Harbour, Q Radio's Hannah Spratt saw two men in a rowing boat.

Winds are really picking up here at Donaghadee Harbour, despite that, people are still taking to the water - absolute madness! @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/DgZud8fsZf

— Hannah Spratt (@Radio_Han) October 16, 2017

Schools and further education colleges across the province will stay shut again tomorrow.

@Education_NI confirm schools should remain closed on Tuesday 17 October 2017 https://t.co/Hbqxfhzg7l #Ophelia

— Education NI (@Education_NI) October 16, 2017

The danger of this storm is clear.

Three people were killed as Ophelia crossed the Republic.

A man died in Ravensdale, Dundalk, Ireland, after a tree struck the car he was in at around 2.45pm, officers said.

Earlier, a man in his 30s was killed in a chainsaw accident as he tried to remove a fallen tree in Cahir, Co Tipperary, and a woman in her mid 50s died when her car was hit by a tree near the village of Aglish in Waterford.

Stay with Q Radio for the latest.