Storm Éowyn has rewritten the record books, leaving a devastating trail across Scotland. As the fifth named storm of the 2024/25 season, it has been classified as an ‘extremely powerful and record-breaking extratropical cyclone.’ With winds tearing through densely populated areas and insurance claims soaring to historic levels, the storm has become a once-in-a-generation catastrophe.
The Central Belt Takes the Brunt
The storm’s path was particularly destructive, striking Scotland’s central belt where 80% of the population resides. The severity of the impact was evident in insurance claims, which peaked at three times normal levels. Loss adjusters continue to receive new cases, reflecting the extensive damage caused by the storm’s violent winds.
Commercial Properties Hit Hard
One of the most striking differences between Storm Éowyn and previous storms is its disproportionate impact on commercial properties. Traditionally, the ratio of domestic to commercial claims in such events is around 5:1. However, this time, the ratio stands at 1.5:1, highlighting an unprecedented level of destruction to business infrastructure.
Notable Large Losses
- A hotel lost large sections of its roof, causing debris to block a busy road.
- External cladding detached from a managed office services building, shutting down Glasgow’s expressway.
- A leisure centre, only three years old, had 60% of its standing seam aluminium roof system and insulation ripped away.
- A 40-metre-high church steeple lost its steel weathervane and stonework, which crashed through the roof of a converted residential building, forcing 24 residents to evacuate.
Housing Associations and Local Authorities Overwhelmed
The storm has also placed significant pressure on landlords and local authorities. Reports indicate thousands of claims involving Housing Association properties, with risk managers describing the extent of the damage as the worst in recent history. Some claims involve multiple properties, meaning the true scale of destruction is far greater than initial estimates suggest.
How Does Éowyn Compare to Previous Storms?
Storm Éowyn’s impact surpasses that of recent major storms in the UK, including Storm Darragh and Storm Bert.
| Storm Name | Primary Regions Affected | Wind vs. Flood Damage | Claim Volume Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Bert | Wales, South England | 70% Wind, 30% Flood | Moderate |
| Storm Darragh | UK-wide | 95% Wind, 5% Flood | High |
| Storm Éowyn | Scotland, Ireland | 95% Wind, 5% Flood | Double that of Darragh |
Storm Bert generated fewer claims overall but was costlier due to a higher proportion of flood-related damage. Meanwhile, Storm Darragh led to twice the number of claims as Bert but with a lower financial impact. In contrast, Éowyn has produced an overwhelming number of large claims, demonstrating its extreme force.
What Lies Ahead?
With ten named storms hitting the UK in the 2023/24 season—six of which caused severe damage—the trend of extreme weather events appears to be continuing. The insurance industry is bracing for rising claims, increasing repair costs, and potential shifts in underwriting policies. As winter progresses, Scotland and the broader UK must prepare for further turbulent weather in the months ahead.
