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25 Jan 2025

One dead and one million without power after powerful Storm Éowyn swept in over the British Isles

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Storm Éowyn has recently swept across Ireland and the United Kingdom, bringing with it record-breaking winds and significant disruptions. The storm has resulted in at least one fatality and left nearly a million households without power. 

BBC

 

Impact and Records:

  • Wind Speeds: In Galway, located on Ireland's west coast, wind speeds reached over 50 meters per second (approximately 180 km/h), marking the strongest winds ever recorded in the country. 
  • Fatalities: A man in Donegal, Ireland, lost his life when a tree fell onto his car. 
  • Power Outages: Approximately 790,000 homes and businesses across Ireland were without electricity on Saturday morning due to the storm's impact. 

     

Disruptions:

  • Transportation: The severe weather led to flight delays, road closures, and the suspension of ferry and train services in various regions. In Scotland, wind gusts were so powerful that objects like trampolines and sofas were blown onto railway tracks, causing significant disruptions. 
  • Infrastructure Damage: Numerous reports emerged of fallen trees blocking roads and causing damage to buildings across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. 

     

Safety Advisories:

Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. In Scotland, most schools were closed on Friday as a precautionary measure. 

 

Meteorological Insights:

Experts note that Storm Éowyn is an exceptionally intense system, with its center passing directly over the UK and Ireland. Advancements in forecasting have allowed for more precise predictions, enabling timely warnings and preparations. There is also an indication that climate change may be contributing to the increasing severity of such storms, leading to heavier rainfall and more intense winds. 

sciencemediacentre.org

 

Current Status:

As of Saturday morning, the storm had moved over the North Sea towards Norway. While the outskirts of the system reached western parts of Sweden on Friday evening, the winds were milder compared to those experienced in Ireland and the UK. 

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay updated with local weather reports and adhere to safety advisories as recovery efforts continue.

 

Here are additional sources providing information on Storm Éowyn:

  • Associated Press: "Ireland and UK clean up after unprecedented Storm Éowyn brings record winds and damage" 

    AP News

     

  • The Sun: "Satellite pics show huge Storm Eowyn over UK as dangerous 114mph 'STING JET' kills man and over a million left in dark" 

    The Irish Sun

     

  • Bild: "Kommt die Sturm-Peitsche doch nach Deutschland?" 

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