THOUSANDS of Cork homes are without power as Storm Ophelia arrives in Ireland blowing down trees.

Approximately 330,000 electricity customers are without power. The main areas impacted are in the southern half of the country and include counties Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Limerick.

Bus Éireann has cancelled all services nationwide for the remainder of the day.

One of the stands at Cork City's FC grounds at Turner's Cross was destroyed putting tomorrow night's clash against Derry City in doubt.

The sports hall roof of Douglas Community school was also ripped off by the fierce winds on Monday afternoon as Storm Ophelia passed through Cork.

Douglas Community School principal Jim Long visited the school where debris and trees were strewn across the ground.

“The roof is virtually 100% off at this stage,” he said.

“There was debris and wreckage all over the school grounds and on the road but we managed moved the debris from the road.” The roof will have to be completely replaced but Jim is unsure yet as to the cost.

“We’ll have to assess the damage and then see. There’s no real damage to repair because the roof has just been ripped off so it’s a case of replacing it.” The principal urged people to stay away from the area as it is still extremely dangerous.

“I would tell everyone to avoid the area as conditions are still very dangerous with debris and wreckage on the ground.”

Throughout the county, thousands of trees were uprooted with damages caused to roofs, hoardings, facades and walls.