Hundreds of thousands in Ireland were plunged into darkness on Friday as Storm Eowyn swept across the region, bringing with it devastating winds and widespread disruptions. The storm, which is one of the most severe to hit the area in recent years, was marked by wind gusts reaching up to 114 miles per hour in certain locations, exceeding historical records.
The Irish Meteorological Service had predicted that Eowyn would generate strong winds throughout the day, affecting not just Ireland but also parts of Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and the northern and western regions of England and Wales. Early reports indicated that around 715,000 of ESB Networks' customers were without power, reflecting nearly a third of the utility’s entire customer base.
In addition to high winds, the storm was forecasted to bring rain showers and the possibility of hail and snow in parts of Scotland. The UK's Meteorological Office issued warnings for “very dangerous conditions” leading to significant travel impacts.
Travel disruption was also felt hard; Northern Rail advised passengers to refrain from travel due to severe weather-related disturbances. Airports, including Belfast International, reported grounded flights and intermittent power cuts, urging travelers to stay updated with their airline statuses.
A potent jet stream contributing to Storm Eowyn’s intensity was noted as it reached speeds of 260 miles per hour, amplifying the storm’s impact. This event marks the most intense storm to strike Ireland since 2017, when a powerful storm caused fatalities and widespread damage in the region.
The Irish Meteorological Service had predicted that Eowyn would generate strong winds throughout the day, affecting not just Ireland but also parts of Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and the northern and western regions of England and Wales. Early reports indicated that around 715,000 of ESB Networks' customers were without power, reflecting nearly a third of the utility’s entire customer base.
In addition to high winds, the storm was forecasted to bring rain showers and the possibility of hail and snow in parts of Scotland. The UK's Meteorological Office issued warnings for “very dangerous conditions” leading to significant travel impacts.
Travel disruption was also felt hard; Northern Rail advised passengers to refrain from travel due to severe weather-related disturbances. Airports, including Belfast International, reported grounded flights and intermittent power cuts, urging travelers to stay updated with their airline statuses.
A potent jet stream contributing to Storm Eowyn’s intensity was noted as it reached speeds of 260 miles per hour, amplifying the storm’s impact. This event marks the most intense storm to strike Ireland since 2017, when a powerful storm caused fatalities and widespread damage in the region.
