Scotland is bracing for another red weather warning as Storm Eowyn is expected to unleash fierce winds of up to 90mph this Friday, but the last time the country experienced such a severe warning was in November 2021, when Storm Arwen wreaked havoc.
Storm Eowyn’s Red Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for wind, signifying a “danger to life” and advising against travel in the affected areas. This warning will impact several regions, including parts of Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders, Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders, Forth Valley, and the southern part of Fife.
Schools are expected to close, and people in these areas have been advised to stay indoors as the storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions.
Recalling the Devastation of Storm Arwen
Scotland’s most recent red weather warning for wind came during Storm Arwen in late November 2021. The storm caused significant damage, particularly in the north east, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Borders. The weather event was one of the most severe the country had faced in years, leading to widespread power outages, water supply issues, and road blockages.
Storm Arwen hit hard, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and the environment. During the storm’s peak, nearly 200,000 households were left without power, and approximately 10,000 properties had issues with water supply. The worst-hit areas faced major disruptions, with the recovery process taking nearly two weeks.
Impact of Storm Arwen:
- Power outages: 200,000 households affected
- Water supply issues: 10,000 properties impacted
- Road blockages: Fallen trees hindered transport
- Forest damage: 4,000 hectares of woodland affected
The aftermath of the storm also saw the military being called in to help. Royal Marines conducted welfare checks on vulnerable communities, particularly in Aberdeenshire, where people had been without power for days. Tragically, a man died when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree, underscoring the life-threatening risks posed by such extreme weather.
