Storm Eowyn Brings Severe Weather Disruptions Across UK and Ireland
Flights cancelled, power outages, and travel disruptions as Storm Eowyn impacts the region
Storm Eowyn has brought widespread disruption across the UK and Ireland with severe weather conditions resulting in flight cancellations, power outages, and significant travel disruptions.
As of Saturday morning, the Met Office and Meteorological services had issued multiple weather warnings, including amber and yellow alerts for snow, ice, rain, and wind across various regions.
The storm, which intensified rapidly, is described as a weather bomb due to its explosive cyclogenesis—a phenomenon characterized by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure.
Records show that wind speeds reached 114 mph at Mace Head, County Galway in Ireland, setting a new record since weather documentation began.
On Friday, as Storm Eowyn traversed the region, a man died in County Donegal, Ireland, when a tree fell on his car.
In Scotland, another man succumbed to injuries from falling roof tiles in Irvine.
Meanwhile, Network Rail Scotland reported nearly 400 incidents of damage, including the disruption of signaling systems and fallen trees.
Over 1,000 flights were cancelled across airports, particularly affecting Dublin, Edinburgh, Heathrow, and Glasgow.
In addition, ScotRail suspended its services, and ferry services in Scotland were called off.
Various sections of road networks were rendered impassable by fallen trees and debris.
The storm left more than one million residences and businesses without electricity.
ESB Networks in Ireland reported approximately 725,000 outages, while NIE Networks noted 283,000 outages in Northern Ireland.
Officials from both organizations indicate that it could take days to fully restore the power across these regions.
Particularly hazardous conditions were reported in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England, prompting local authorities to advise against any unnecessary travel.
In the UK, power shortages affected large areas, with rainfall of up to 80mm anticipated in parts of England and Wales.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly stated that although weather conditions are expected to moderate by Sunday, further rain and winds pose a risk of flooding, particularly on saturated grounds.
Despite the subsiding storm, caution is advised as clean-up and restoration efforts are ongoing.
Authorities continue to alert citizens with weather updates, stressing vigilance and patience during this period.