Up to 9,500 homes in Northern Ireland are still without power following Storm Ali, according to NIE Networks.

The company said since yesterday morning, over 80,000 properties have had their power restored.

"Emergency teams are still dealing with hundreds of faults and Local Incident Centres will be open from first light," NIE Networks said.

"Customers who remain without power are widespread throughout Northern Ireland with some of the more significant areas affected in Portglenone, Magherafelt, Draperstown, Keady, Craigavon, Lurgan, Newtownbutler, Tamlaght, Waringstown and Mullaghbawn.

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"We have mobilised additional call agents this morning to deal with any queries customers may have regarding the repair process in their area. If you are still without power this morning, then please do get in touch on 03457 643 643 or keep up to date online."

To help survey harder to reach parts of the electricity network, a helicopter is being brought over from Great Britain to help restore power to customers.

A company spokesperson said: "Helicopters help us to survey large parts of the country quickly, assess network damage in hard to reach areas and support the Local Incident Teams to effectively deploy all of the additional resources that our supporting our restoration efforts."

(LM/MH)