Storm Eowyn Causes Widespread Blackouts Across Ireland

On Friday, Storm Eowyn made history as it struck Ireland, bringing devastating winds and causing widespread power outages, particularly affecting the transportation sector.

On January 24, 2025, a powerful storm named Eowyn swept through Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, resulting in significant disruptions and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity. The fierce storm was characterized by record-breaking wind gusts, reaching as high as 114 miles per hour in western Ireland’s County Galway, breaking a decades-old record.

According to the Irish Meteorological Service, the storm was predicted to generate persistent gales throughout the day, and its impact was felt across Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and the northern and western parts of England and Wales. ESB Networks, the state-run electricity company in Ireland, reported that around 715,000 customers—almost one-third of its total customer base—lost power.

In addition to the high winds, Eowyn brought heavy rain showers and increased chances of hail and snow, especially in the hilly regions of Scotland. Travelers were also faced with severe disruptions in travel, prompting Northern Rail in England to advise against traveling on Friday and Saturday due to the storm's effects. Multiple flights were canceled, with Belfast International Airport warning passengers to remain at home due to intermittent blackouts and operational challenges.

The intensity of Storm Eowyn was further attributed to an exceptionally strong jet stream, which reached speeds of 260 miles per hour this week. This is the most impactful storm Ireland has faced since 2017, a year that was marked by severe weather conditions that resulted in fatalities.

As the storm continued to unfold, forecasters indicated that the hazardous weather conditions could lead to further incidents and advised residents to prepare for ongoing disturbances.