Storm Éowyn: A Powerful Extratropical Cyclone That Shook Ireland and Scotland
Imagine a storm so powerful it could break records that have stood for 80 years – that’s what Storm Éowyn was like. This fierce extratropical cyclone hit the shores of Ireland and Scotland on January 24, 2025, with winds that howled at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph), shattering previous records in Ireland.
The UK Met Office named this storm, which was fueled by a strong jet stream and energy from the Gulf Coast blizzard. The intensity of Storm Éowyn was such that it prompted widespread red weather warnings across Ireland and Scotland, with amber and yellow warnings issued around Wales and England.
Breaking Records
The storm’s power was evident in its wind speeds. At Mace Head in Connemara, County Galway, a gust provisionally measured at 183 km/h (114 mph) was recorded, surpassing an 80-year-old record for the country. This wasn’t just about breaking records; it was about rewriting them with a vengeance.
On the coast of Finnis Bouy near Doolin, a maximum wave height of 10.4 metres (34 ft) was measured, adding to the drama and intensity of this storm. It’s like nature itself was testing its limits against human-made structures and infrastructure.
The Impact on Ireland
When Storm Éowyn hit Ireland, it brought with it a wave of disruption and damage. Over 815,000 homes lost power, mainly in Mayo and Galway, while 115,000 homes were without water, primarily in Munster. The Connacht GAA Air Dome was destroyed, and at least one person died when a tree fell on his car.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed an IF2 Tornado at Holywell Bay near Newquay on January 23, adding to the chaos. Thousands of homes lost power in County Durham, with road closures on A19 and A689. The storm’s impact was felt across the country, from the west coast to the east.
Impact on Scotland
In Scotland, Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport limited flight operations due to high winds of up to 101 mph recorded in South Lanarkshire. Two people suffered injuries from storm-related accidents, and an SPFL game between Celtic and Dundee was postponed due to damages at Celtic Park.
The Isle of Man experienced its own set of challenges. All travel was suspended, including ferries and buses, the airport closed, and around 370 homes lost power. The government declared a major incident as the island’s airport recorded the highest wind gusts in 20 years.
Impact on Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, over 240,000 homes and businesses were without power by 11:30 GMT. The emergency alert system was activated to send severe alerts to around 4.5 million devices across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
Impact on Wales
In Wales, communities in Bethesda, Tregarth, Llanbedr, Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Menai Bridge on Anglesey experienced widespread power outages. The Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor also faced power cuts, adding to the list of disruptions.
Conclusion
The impact of Storm Éowyn was profound, a reminder of nature’s raw power and the importance of preparedness. As we reflect on this powerful extratropical cyclone, it serves as a stark lesson in resilience and the need for robust infrastructure to withstand such intense weather events.
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This page is based on the article Storm Éowyn published in Wikipedia (retrieved on January 25, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
