Millions in Ireland and northern parts of the U.K. were urged to stay indoors on Friday as a powerful storm, packing hurricane-force winds, wreaked havoc across the region, causing widespread power outages and severe travel disruptions. The storm, named Storm Eowyn, brought destruction to Ireland first, and then to Scotland, leaving a trail of damage in its wake.
A Rare “Red” Weather Warning
Authorities issued a rare “red” weather warning across all of Ireland and central and southwest Scotland, signaling a life-threatening situation. The warning, which indicates significant danger, was prompted by the storm’s intensity and its rapidly advancing winds. Gusts of up to 114 mph (183 kph), the strongest in Ireland since World War II, pummeled the region.
The storm, spiraling in from the Atlantic, initially slammed into Ireland before moving on to Scotland, where it continued to cause damage into the evening. The winds brought down power lines, grounded flights, and wreaked havoc on transport infrastructure.
Devastating Impact in Ireland
Ireland bore the brunt of the storm, where a fatality was reported in County Donegal. A man was tragically killed after a tree fell on his car, according to local police. The storm’s destructive winds also led to extensive property damage, uprooting trees, and forcing authorities to declare emergencies in affected areas.
While the storm raged, cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow fell eerily silent. Much like during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, shops were closed, and residents heeded safety warnings, avoiding travel despite the urgent need for supplies.
Scotland Faces the Wrath of Eowyn
As the storm reached Scotland, the city centers of Glasgow and Edinburgh were left deserted. Many shops remained shuttered, and authorities continued to urge citizens to avoid the streets. The powerful gusts made walking even a challenge, with residents struggling to remain on their feet amid the powerful winds.
“I want to thank members of the public for largely following Police Scotland’s advice not to travel,” said John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister. His praise came as the storm caused significant disruptions, but also as many residents and travelers took heed of safety measures and stayed indoors.
Travel Chaos and Power Cuts
In addition to the power cuts, the storm also disrupted travel networks. Flights were grounded, ferries were canceled, and trains across the U.K. and Ireland faced delays or cancellations. The power outages affected tens of thousands of people, particularly in rural areas, as utility companies worked to restore service.
The storm’s fierce winds were accompanied by crashing waves along the coast, particularly in regions like Cleveleys, near Blackpool, and in parts of Northern Ireland, where the Seawall was battered by heavy surf.
A Quick Moving Storm
Despite its ferocity, Storm Eowyn moved fast and is expected to clear Scotland’s shores by late Friday. However, authorities remain vigilant, warning that the cleanup and recovery will take time.
As the storm moves away, the focus now shifts to the aftermath and restoring normalcy to the affected regions. The damage from the storm, coupled with the loss of life, has left communities reeling, and the recovery process is expected to take several days.