Storm Isha was one notch away from 'hurricane force' conditions in the Irish Sea - with little respite before Storm Jocelyn sweeps across the region

On land, the storm interrupted electricity supplies to about 50,000 or so homes and businesses and made a string of roads impassable due to debris and fallen poles and trees.

In addition, one motorist died as a result of a collision with a collapsed tree (more on that here).

A large number of flights were cancelled, mainly at Belfast City Airport, and some where diverted, while at sea the Stena Line ro-ro ship Estrid was forced to circle for several hours off the Ulster coast before it could approach land for docking.

More details on that here, including a video:

• Stena Line ferry stuck in the Irish Sea for hours amid heavy waves and fierce winds from Storm Isha

The Coastguard told the News Letter that the shipping forecast which was in force at the time indicated conditions up to and including “violent storm 11” on the Beaufort Scale.

This is a kind of maritime Richter Scale, used to estimate wind and wave severity.

"It only goes up to 12,” said Ian Graham of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, adding that such a state is “unusual”.

Indeed, the next stage up from “violent storm 11” on the Beauford scale is “hurricane”.

According to the Met Office, 11 means an average wind speed of 60 knots (about 70mph), a “probable wave height” of 11.5 metres (38ft) and a maximum height of 16 metres (53ft).

Mr Graham said the coastguard had been aware of the Estrid’s movements, but doubts the vessel was in serious danger; rather, its captain was likely taking a “belt-and-braces” approach to the ship’s safety, and didn’t want to enter the lough until the storm had subsided.

The current shipping forecast which is in force lists winds at up to severe gale force 9, dropping to gale force 8, with a “moderate or rough” sea state, and “occasionally very rough in the far south” of the Irish Sea.