As Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc across the UK, reports show that nearly a third of electricity customers in Ireland are without power, with widespread travel disruptions reported on Friday.
Storm Eowyn Batters Ireland, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands in Darkness
Storm Eowyn Batters Ireland, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands in Darkness
Power outages and travel disruptions ensue as the storm unleashes record winds across the UK.
Storm Eowyn, which slammed through Ireland, Scotland, and northern England on Friday, has resulted in severe power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. With wind gusts reaching record-breaking levels, the storm has left nearly 715,000 out of 2.4 million electricity customers in Ireland without power.
The Irish Meteorological Service indicated that fierce gales would continue throughout the day. Reports of wind gusts soared as high as 114 miles per hour at Mace Head, County Galway, breaking a record previously held since 1945. The storm also promises to bring significant rainfall, with forecasters warning of the possibility of hail and snow in higher elevations, particularly in Scotland.
The effects of Storm Eowyn rippled beyond power outages, disrupting travel throughout the region. Northern Rail urged customers to avoid using train services on both Friday and Saturday amid severe service disruptions caused by the storm. Airports across Ireland and the UK reported hundreds of grounded flights, with Belfast International Airport advising travelers to stay home due to intermittent power outages.
The intense winds were attributed to a strong jet stream that bolstered the storm's force, increasing its intensity throughout the week. Typically ranging from 190 to 220 miles per hour, the jet stream was recorded at an unprecedented 260 miles per hour during Storm Eowyn. This storm marks the most powerful weather event to impact Ireland since 2017, when a devastating storm claimed at least three lives in the region.
As the chaos from Eowyn unfolds, citizens are encouraged to stay safe and updated on the evolving situation from meteorological agencies.
The Irish Meteorological Service indicated that fierce gales would continue throughout the day. Reports of wind gusts soared as high as 114 miles per hour at Mace Head, County Galway, breaking a record previously held since 1945. The storm also promises to bring significant rainfall, with forecasters warning of the possibility of hail and snow in higher elevations, particularly in Scotland.
The effects of Storm Eowyn rippled beyond power outages, disrupting travel throughout the region. Northern Rail urged customers to avoid using train services on both Friday and Saturday amid severe service disruptions caused by the storm. Airports across Ireland and the UK reported hundreds of grounded flights, with Belfast International Airport advising travelers to stay home due to intermittent power outages.
The intense winds were attributed to a strong jet stream that bolstered the storm's force, increasing its intensity throughout the week. Typically ranging from 190 to 220 miles per hour, the jet stream was recorded at an unprecedented 260 miles per hour during Storm Eowyn. This storm marks the most powerful weather event to impact Ireland since 2017, when a devastating storm claimed at least three lives in the region.
As the chaos from Eowyn unfolds, citizens are encouraged to stay safe and updated on the evolving situation from meteorological agencies.
