The ferocious Storm Eowyn has wreaked havoc across Ireland, leaving around 715,000 residents without power on Friday, representing nearly a third of the country’s electricity customers. This powerful storm swept through the island, bringing unprecedented wind speeds and disrupting travel.
According to the Irish Meteorological Service, strong winds were expected throughout the day, affecting not only Ireland but also parts of Scotland and northern England. The forecast warned of gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour and even 100 miles per hour in certain regions. At 5 a.m., forecasters recorded a startling gust of 114 miles per hour at Mace Head, County Galway, toppling records that stood since 1945.
In addition to the winds, heavy rain showers fell across northern parts of Ireland, with potential hail and snow in the Scottish hills, further complicating the situation. Northern Rail advised passengers to avoid travel due to severe disruptions, while hundreds of flights were canceled at various airports, including Belfast International, which faced intermittent power outages.
The powerful storm owes a significant amount of its strength to a jet stream that became unusually fast, fueling its intensity. This weather event marks the most severe storm to hit Ireland since 2017, following one of the most powerful storms in the northeastern Atlantic that resulted in fatal outcomes. As weather patterns change, communities are reminded to stay alert and prepared for extreme conditions ahead.
According to the Irish Meteorological Service, strong winds were expected throughout the day, affecting not only Ireland but also parts of Scotland and northern England. The forecast warned of gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour and even 100 miles per hour in certain regions. At 5 a.m., forecasters recorded a startling gust of 114 miles per hour at Mace Head, County Galway, toppling records that stood since 1945.
In addition to the winds, heavy rain showers fell across northern parts of Ireland, with potential hail and snow in the Scottish hills, further complicating the situation. Northern Rail advised passengers to avoid travel due to severe disruptions, while hundreds of flights were canceled at various airports, including Belfast International, which faced intermittent power outages.
The powerful storm owes a significant amount of its strength to a jet stream that became unusually fast, fueling its intensity. This weather event marks the most severe storm to hit Ireland since 2017, following one of the most powerful storms in the northeastern Atlantic that resulted in fatal outcomes. As weather patterns change, communities are reminded to stay alert and prepared for extreme conditions ahead.
