Work is continuing tonight to restore power to some 500 homes after storm force gales brought down power lines across the country.
Met Éireann has issued a storm warning which says that gusts of 80 to 125 km/h will continue throughout the evening. The warning expires at 10pm.
Winds of up to 145km/h have been recorded in some areas, with the winds peaking at Malin Head in Co Donegal with a gust of 168km/h this morning.
The ESB said some 15,000 customers had lost supply as a result of the high winds. The majority of these were in the northwest but areas such as Wexford, Cork, Galway, Dublin and the midlands were also affected.
A spokeswoman said crews were still working tonight to restore power to about 500 customers - the majority of which were along the western coast.
The public has been asked to contact the ESB's emergency number 1850 372 999 if they come across fallen power lines.
Northern Ireland Electricity said fallen trees and strong winds brought down power lines across the region with Ballymena, Coleraine, Ballymoney, East Antrim and Bangor worst affected.
Eircom said a total of 5,000 faults had been reported on its network as a result of the strong winds and heavy rain.
Gardaí are advising road users to exercise "extreme caution" while the storm force winds and heavy rain continue to make driving conditions difficult.
Motorists should reduce speed and to be aware of the potential for hazards such as fallen trees, branches and other debris particularly on minor roads, gardaí have said.
They should also drive with their lights on and allow additional journey time.
Road Safety Authority chief executive Noel Brett advised motorists to take care on the roads following the New Year break.
“Roads will be busy today with people getting back to work or travelling to airports and ports after the bank holiday weekend and festive season,” he said. “I would ask each and every one of you to allow extra time to reach your destination, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and adjust your speed in windy or wet conditions.”
Met Éireann said the winds would ease later tonight but that further gusts of about 120 km/h were likely to occur tomorrow.
Transport services have also been affected and those intending to travel today are advised to check with their carrier. The ferry crossing from Larne to Cairnryan has also been suspended as a result of the weather conditions.
On the roads, gardaí in Donegal advised motorists to avoid travelling before daylight today. A tree partially blocked the road on the N13 Letterkenny/Ballybofey road near Kilross and in Letterkenny, the Harry Blaney Bridge has been closed to traffic. Diversions are available via Milford.
The PSNI has warned motorists to take care and to slow down. Foyle Bridge in Derry is closed and some diversions are in place across the North.
In Wicklow, the Ballinderry Road is blocked about 5km outside Rathdrum near St Coleman’s Hospital due to a fallen tree.
Flooding was reported on the Borrisoleigh/Templemore road in Tipperary earlier today following heavy overnight rain. Extra care is also needed on the Nenagh/Borrisoleigh road due to fallen debris on that route.
In Carlow, the Athy road is flooded in places. It is very windy on roads around the county and motorists have been warned to take extreme care due to debris on roads.
There are a number of trees were downed near Mullingar and gardaí have advised motorists to stick to the main roads
In Laois, a tree is blocking the Ridge road at Larkin’s Cross where very windy conditions are also reported.
* Have you been affected by the storm? Please send photographs to news@irishtimes.com