Storm force winds reaching up to 90 mph left up to 25,000 homes without power this morning, and one thousand remain without electricity, according to an ESB spokesman.
The spokesman said it is hoped that some of these homes would be reconnected by 10 p.m as bad flooding is also causing traffic chaos around the State.
In Dublin, 700 customers are without electricity because of flooding in the Ringsend Sandymount area. As a safety precaution electricity will not be restored in homes which are still water-logged. ESB said its crews were also being hampered by the traffic congestion in the area.
Counties Cork and Kerry have been worst affected by the storms force winds, high tides and driving rain which swept across the country since early this morning. The southwest and the southeast have also been badly hit.
A Met Éireann spokeswoman said it will remain windy with some heavy and prolonged showers tonight and tomorrow. Sunday is expected to be blustery and colder.
She added flooding was likely due to the volume of rain the rising spring tides.
The highest gust of 86 mph was recorded overnight was at Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Up to 1,000 ESB emergency repair staff were mobilised to carry out repairs this morning. They concentrated on fixing fallen live wires, which may be dangerous, first. The ESB has appealed to anyone ho comes across a fallen line not to touch it and to contact them immediately.
In Dublin, the Eastlink bridge has been re-opened after it was closed earlier due to flooding.
There was no access to north or south Quays in the city centre due to flooding for part of the afternoon, and the Estuary Road in Malahide, Co Dublin, was also closed. Tides were due to subside later in the day. Dublin Corporation is allowing motorists to use bus lanes to help traffic flow more easily.
In Galway city, some motorists were trapped in cars this morning between the Docks and Salthill.
About a thousand homes in the North are without power following the gale force winds. Northern Ireland Electricity had 900 emergency staff on standby from early morning ready to tackle breaks in service.
A spokesman says around 1,000 customers are without power at Limavady, Co Derry, Dungiven, Co Tyrone and outside Downpatrick, Co Down.
More power cuts are expected as the gales continue through the day and on to Saturday night. Ferry services leaving Ireland have been severely disrupted by the weather. All sailings from Rosslare to Pembroke are cancelled. The next sailing is scheduled to depart from Rosslare at 9.30 p.m. Friday, weather permitting.
The cruise ferry Ulysses is operating normally at present on the Dublin to Holyhead route. DublinSwift fast ferry sailings, which were scheduled to recommence this evening following the annual dry docking of vessel Jonathan Swift will not now resume until the weather improves.
Intending passengers are asked to maintain contact with Irish Ferries via the following telephone numbers: 1890 31 31 31 (Dublin Reservations), 053 33158 (Rosslare), 01 6610715 (24-hour information service) or via the Irish Ferries website.
Due to adverse weather conditions Stena Line cancelled their sailings from Rosslare to Fishguard at 9 a.m today. Booked traffic will be accommodated on the next available sailing.
