On Friday, Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc across Ireland, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and causing significant travel disruptions as record wind speeds were recorded.
Storm Eowyn Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland
Storm Eowyn Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland
Severe weather disrupts lives as nearly a third of electricity customers go dark amid record-breaking winds.
Thousands of homes and businesses suffered from power outages across Ireland due to the ferocious impact of Storm Eowyn. The storm left about 715,000 customers without electricity, accounting for nearly a third of the total users served by ESB Networks, the country’s state-owned power provider. This unprecedented storm not only impacted power but also posed serious travel difficulties across Ireland, Scotland, and northern England.
AccuWeather had reported forecasted wind gusts of up to 70 mph, with areas near the Irish Sea and southwestern Scotland facing even more intense gusts reaching 100 mph. Early Friday morning, a significant gust of 114 mph was recorded at Mace Head, County Galway, making it the highest wind speed measured since 1945.
The storm is predicted to bring along rain showers and potentially hail and snow in the hills of Scotland. In addition to power disruptions, travel was severely hampered with Northern Rail advising customers to avoid travel amid serious delays and ongoing disruptions. Passengers faced extensive cancellations as hundreds of flights were grounded at major Irish and British airports. Belfast International Airport advised travelers to check the status of their flights, as intermittent power issues were occurring across the facility.
Meteorological experts pointed out that a robust jet stream, which can influence global weather patterns, contributed significantly to Eowyn's strength. This fast-moving current, typically between 190 to 220 mph, had intensified to reach 260 mph this week, further enhancing the storm's impact.
This marks the most severe storm to hit Ireland since 2017, when another major storm led to a tragic loss of life. As the country braces for continued adverse weather conditions from Storm Eowyn, officials and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.
AccuWeather had reported forecasted wind gusts of up to 70 mph, with areas near the Irish Sea and southwestern Scotland facing even more intense gusts reaching 100 mph. Early Friday morning, a significant gust of 114 mph was recorded at Mace Head, County Galway, making it the highest wind speed measured since 1945.
The storm is predicted to bring along rain showers and potentially hail and snow in the hills of Scotland. In addition to power disruptions, travel was severely hampered with Northern Rail advising customers to avoid travel amid serious delays and ongoing disruptions. Passengers faced extensive cancellations as hundreds of flights were grounded at major Irish and British airports. Belfast International Airport advised travelers to check the status of their flights, as intermittent power issues were occurring across the facility.
Meteorological experts pointed out that a robust jet stream, which can influence global weather patterns, contributed significantly to Eowyn's strength. This fast-moving current, typically between 190 to 220 mph, had intensified to reach 260 mph this week, further enhancing the storm's impact.
This marks the most severe storm to hit Ireland since 2017, when another major storm led to a tragic loss of life. As the country braces for continued adverse weather conditions from Storm Eowyn, officials and residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.
