Storm Éowyn: An Island in the dark
Table of Contents
- 1. Storm Éowyn: An Island in the dark
- 2. Storm Éowyn Leaves Trail of Destruction and Disruption Across Ireland
- 3. Storm Éowyn: A Nation Struggles in the Wake of Record-Breaking damage
- 4. Storm Éowyn Wreaks havoc Across Ireland
- 5. Storm Eowyn: Ireland Batters by Record-breaking Winds
- 6. Storm Éowyn: Travel Disruptions, Power Outages, and Aid for Affected Residents
- 7. Storm Éowyn Batters Ireland: Hundreds of Thousands without Power
- 8. Storm Éowyn: Over Half a Million Homes Plunged into Darkness
- 9. Ireland Batters Down the hatches as Powerful Storm Rages
- 10. Storm Éowyn: ireland Batters Under Red Wind Warning
- 11. Storm Éowyn: Travel Chaos Grips Ireland as Flights cancelled
- 12. storm Éowyn: Ireland Batters by Record Breaking Winds
- 13. What are the specific safety precautions recommended for individuals in areas affected by Storm Éowyn?
- 14. Storm Éowyn grips Ireland: An Interview with Met ÉireannS Laura O’Connor
- 15. Hi Laura, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you paint a picture of the current situation in Ireland as Storm Éowyn batters the nation?
- 16. The gale-force winds are certainly breaking records. Can you elaborate on the importance of the wind speeds we’re seeing and their impact?
- 17. We’re hearing reports of numerous flight cancellations and power outages. How long are we looking at these disruptions lasting?
- 18. For those in impacted areas, what are the most crucial safety precautions they should take?
- 19. What’s the message you’d like to leave our readers with as Storm Éowyn continues to impact Ireland?
Ireland is facing an unprecedented crisis as Storm Éowyn wreaks havoc across the country. Nearly a million homes and businesses are currently without power, leaving a large swathe of the population in complete darkness.
The storm’s impact has been devastating. Over 500,000 people are at risk of having their water supplies disrupted,further highlighting the severity of the situation. Winds have reached ferocious speeds, with gusts of 183km/h recorded at mace Head in County Galway. These powerful winds have brought down trees, downed power lines, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
Communication networks have also been severely affected. Vodafone, one of Ireland’s largest telecommunications providers, has reported that 14% of its mobile network sites are currently offline. This loss of connectivity is further compounding the difficulties faced by those impacted by the storm.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is indeed clear that Storm Éowyn has left a critically important mark on Ireland.Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid travel if possible, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
As the storm continues to rage, the focus remains on restoring essential services and ensuring the safety of those affected.
Storm Éowyn has swept across Ireland, causing widespread power outages and disruption.Stephen Maguire, a resident of Donegal, woke to the news that over 700,000 people were without power, a stark contrast to his own situation. Illustrating the unpredictability of the storm,he lost power shortly after,realizing with a pang of dismay that he’d forgotten to fill his flask with hot water. “Do you know how long it takes to make an even tepid cup of tea by warming a pot of water on a stove?” he remarked wryly. “I do.” His situation mirrored that of many across the island, with a cumulative 725,000 homes and businesses in the Republic of Ireland and 240,000 in Northern Ireland left in the dark – a truly unprecedented situation.
The storm’s impact extended far beyond power outages. Irish airports faced significant disruption,with Cirium data revealing that 142 departing flights and 128 arriving flights had been cancelled,representing 41% and 37% of scheduled departures and arrivals,respectively. Dublin Airport bore the brunt of the cancellations, followed by Cork and Knock airports.
Water supplies also came under pressure, with 60,000 people experiencing disruptions due to the storm. Furthermore, a staggering 500,000-strong population faced the risk of losing their water supply.
The storm’s ferocity was evident in the collapse of the Blanchardstown ice skating dome in Millennium Park, Dublin, a stark reminder of the damaging force of nature unleashed by Storm Éowyn.
Storm Éowyn Leaves Trail of Destruction and Disruption Across Ireland
Ireland is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, a powerful weather system that unleashed record-breaking winds and wreaked havoc across the country. Public safety remains the top priority as authorities urge caution and assess the extent of the damage.
Storm Éowyn’s fierce winds, gusting up to 137km/h at their peak, have caused widespread power outages, disrupting essential services and leaving thousands without electricity.As of 12:30 pm, a staggering 725,000 homes, farms, and businesses were left in darkness, and the number is expected to rise as the day progresses.
“Storm Éowyn has brought record-breaking winds and is causing widespread damage and disruption,” said chairman Keith Leonard.“Public safety remains our focus, and the public shoudl continue to shelter in place where red level wind warnings remain valid. It’s also important to remember that even when a red warning expires, we may continue to see possibly perilous and damaging conditions until the storm has fully passed.”
The nationwide impact of the storm is clear. Large areas are without water across Tipperary,Longford,Cork,Kerry,Limerick,Carlow,Kilkenny,and Galway,as power outages at water treatment plants and pumping stations continue to cripple supplies.
The National emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) is working tirelessly to coordinate resources and support the restoration of power and essential services. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, joined this morning’s meeting, highlighting the severity of the situation. “The period following a storm can often be the most dangerous and people should continue to be very careful notably with regard to the hazard of fallen power lines and the threat of fallen trees and debris blocking roads,” the NECG stated.
In Dublin, firefighters responded to 77 calls for fallen trees, seven for downed power lines, and 17 instances of structural damage. Six roads were also blocked by debris. Emergency services are urging the public to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing Orange Warning period.
Despite the disruption, Shannon Airport has resumed operations, with flights from Stansted and Fuerteventura landing and departing as scheduled. While airport officials confirmed that services are returning to normal, passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates and exercise caution due to ongoing weather conditions.
Vodafone reported that 14 percent of its mobile network sites are currently offline,with the company noting that the impact of the storm on ESB services is causing knock-on effects across the country. Areas most affected include galway, Clare, mayo, Kerry, Donegal, Sligo, and parts of the midlands.
As recovery efforts begin, authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to those affected by Storm Éowyn.
Storm Éowyn: A Nation Struggles in the Wake of Record-Breaking damage
The nation reels from the devastating impact of Storm Éowyn, which has left an unprecedented mark on Ireland’s electricity network. The worst of the storm has passed for most, but the ongoing red and orange wind warnings issued by Met Éireann serve as a stark reminder that the threat isn’t over yet. As the storm continues its northward trajectory, the ESB warns that further power outages are a possibility.
ESB Networks is working tirelessly to restore power to affected areas. Every available resource, including dedicated crews and partner contractors, is being deployed where safety permits. Their assessment of the damage and the road to recovery is daunting.
“From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days and will take more than a week in the worst-impacted areas,” the company warned.The extent of the damage across the country is so widespread that ESB Networks is only able to provide estimated restoration times once teams have comprehensively assessed the damage to the network. These timelines will be accessible on ESB Networks’ website throughout Saturday.
“Given the extent of the damage nationwide, estimated restoration times will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults and these will then be available to view throughout Saturday on ESB Networks’ website,” the company stated.
Storm Éowyn is hitting Ireland hard, and the impact on power supplies is a major concern.
The ESB, Ireland’s electricity provider, is aware of the situation and is working diligently to restore power to customers who have been affected. Though, they’re urging the public to be patient as the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
“Our customer contact center agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Éowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted,” a spokesperson for the ESB stated.
Earlier today, the ESB website experienced technical difficulties due to an overwhelming surge in traffic as people sought updates on the storm’s impact.
For the latest information on power outages and restoration efforts, please visit www.PowerCheck.ie.
The storm that tore through Ireland overnight was a relentless force of nature, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and prompting unprecedented warnings for much of the country. Houses, businesses, and infrastructure were battered by winds of unimaginable strength, with the full extent of the damage still unfolding.
Downpours lashed the west coast particularly hard, with Galway bearing the brunt of the tempest’s fury. In the Clybaun Heights neighborhood near Knocknacarra, a small community of around 100 homes was dealing with the aftermath of uprooted trees, collapsed walls, and shattered belongings. One resident described it as a “scary night,” with tiles ripped from roofs, fascia boards and soffits blown away, and a tree falling onto a car. This historic enclave, accustomed to the occasional harsh weather event, had never witnessed anything like it.
Meteorological records were shattered across the country. At Mace Head, Galway, the average wind speed at 4 am reached a staggering 135 km/h, surpassing the previous record of 131 km/h. An even more dramatic 183 km/h gust was recorded at 5 am, obliterating the former record of 182 km/h. These wind speeds, described as “unprecedented” by meteorologists, whipped through communities, leaving behind a landscape scarred by the storm’s fury.
The storm left a devastating mark on homes and businesses, stretching from the west coast to the Dublin suburbs. The Irish Autonomous reported the extensively damaged Mayo GAA Centre of Excellence and the complete destruction of an ice-skating rink in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin. These are just two glaring examples of the widespread destruction that will take time to fully assess. The storm’s lasting impact will be felt for weeks to come as communities grapple with the heavy cost of repairs.
The storm’s fury has left a staggering 715,000 homes and businesses without power, a figure expected to rise in the coming hours. This is almost double the number affected during storms Darragh and Ophelia. With engineers from ESB Networks finally able to assess the damage, the task of restoring power to the country is immense and urgent.
The storm prompted an urgent warning from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) about the dangers of using chainsaws to clear debris. “While well-intentioned members of the public may be tempted to help,” warned Mark Cullen,Chief Inspector with the HSA,”the HSA strongly advises that only trained and competent operators equipped with the necesary personal protective equipment (PPE) handle chainsaws.” The HSA stressed that safety must come first, urging anyone without proper training to leave the task to professionals.
As communities begin to pick up the pieces, the storm serves as a chilling reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness. The road to recovery will be long, but the collaborative spirit of the Irish people will undoubtedly see them through this difficult time.
“There will be some homes and businesses that will be without power for more than a week,” warned ESB Networks, underlining the substantial impact of the recent storm that battered Ireland. The nation’s power infrastructure faced a serious challenge, with widespread outages affecting numerous areas.
The storm’s intensity forced a standstill in public transport for a significant portion of Friday. No buses, trains, trams, or taxis were operational during the height of the red alert, disrupting commutes and travel plans. While services have gradually resumed across the country,with the exception of Donegal,a full return to normalcy is expected to take time. Transportation networks are working diligently to assess the damage and implement necessary repairs. Air travel faced similar disruptions. The storm’s powerful winds resulted in over 200 flight cancellations at Dublin Airport,leaving countless travelers stranded. Though operations resumed as the winds subsided, a complete return to normal flight schedules will take considerable time.
Ireland’s widespread service disruptions paint a clear picture of the storm’s far-reaching consequences. ESB Networks anticipates a prolonged recovery process, stating, “It will take even longer again to fix the problems” considering the storm’s widespread impact.
Dublin Bus has begun providing services again, though some routes have diversions in place. Route 26, for instance, is taking a detour via N4 in both directions due to the closure of the chapelizod Road. Route 37 has also been rerouted via Cabra Cross Road because of Skreen Road’s closure.
Route 39 is affected by the closure of Sherlerim Road, necessitating diversions for both inbound and outbound journeys. Routes 60, 68, and 69 are also rerouted via Woodford, passing Boomer’s Pub and Watery Lane, due to the closure of Monastery Road.
The storm has also resulted in significant communication disruptions. Approximately 16,000 Eir customers are currently without broadband service, while over 600 of the provider’s mobile sites have lost power. Fortunately, battery-pack generators are maintaining connectivity in many areas.The hardest hit regions include Cork, Galway, Mayo, meath, Kildare, and Clare.
The storm’s aftermath serves as a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature and the importance of preparedness.
A powerful storm has lashed Ireland, bringing with it fierce winds and causing widespread disruption. While the winds are begining to ease across much of the country,Donegal remains in the storm’s grip,with gusts reaching an alarming 140 km/h at 11 am.
Social media platforms are abuzz with footage and reports of the storm’s devastating impact. A chilling video from Sion Mills in Tyrone, shared by the Donegal Weather Channel, shows trees uprooted and branches strewn across roads, underscoring the immense force of the storm.
“Unbelievable scenes from Sion Mills, tyrone this morning,” stated the Donegal Weather Channel tweet accompanying the video. “Very frightening when you see this and is the reason you should not go outside.Stay indoors and stay safe.”
The storm has significantly impacted air travel, with Dublin Airport experiencing a significant reduction in flights. While 11 departures have managed to take off so far, no arrivals have been recorded. As of now, a single flight from London Stansted is approaching the airport.
In Killarney, County Kerry, the storm’s fury has left much of the town without power.”Much of killarney town is without power this morning with the high winds striking the county earlier than expected last night,” reports Anne Lucey.
Séan Scannell, area manager with ESB networks, explains that the effects were concentrated in the south of the county, with Killorglin and Milltown also experiencing power outages. He anticipates that power restoration will likely take until tonight, and not all of the estimated 40,000 affected customers may have their electricity back immediatly.
Teams from both the county council and ESB are gearing up to assess the damage as soon as the Red Warning, which is currently in place until 11 am today, is lifted.
“Roads are blocked throughout the county, with poles and cables and trees down, and there is a real danger of coming across live wires,” warns Paul Neary, senior engineer with Kerry County Council.
Neary adds, “There will be “a body of work” in getting Kerry open again.” The storm’s impact has been severe, with boundary walls collapsing and at least two houses requiring evacuation in Dingle and Ballybunion.
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Storm Éowyn Wreaks havoc Across Ireland
Storm Éowyn, a tempest of epic proportions, lashed Ireland with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain, causing widespread damage and disruption across the nation.
The storm’s fury was unleashed early Friday, with red wind warnings issued for a vast swathe of the country. Coastal areas bore the brunt of the onslaught,with fallen trees blocking roads and power lines downed,leaving homes and businesses without electricity. Kerry, a county in southwest Ireland, was particularly hard hit, with fallen trees obstructing main routes and leaving entire neighborhoods in darkness. The storm’s power was palpable even inland, where large trees toppled over, disrupting traffic and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
“Our crews across Kerry are already out on site assessing damage and clearing trees and other hazards from main routes. Please be patient and expect delays if your journey is necessary,” a local authority message read. “Report issues to the Severe Weather Helpline 066 718 3588.”
In Dublin, the normally bustling city centre was eerily deserted as Storm Éowyn forced residents to stay indoors. The grand streets of Grafton Street stood empty, a stark contrast to the usual vibrant atmosphere.
The storm’s impact wasn’t limited to downed trees and power outages; the sheer force of the wind caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure. The University of Galway Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence Airdome, the world’s largest indoor sports dome, was torn apart by the hurricane-force winds, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation.
While the red wind warnings have been lifted for most counties, a lingering sense of unease remains. All counties are now under orange wind weather alerts, a stark reminder that the storm’s grip is far from over.
Dr. Darius Ceburnis, who manages the Ceann Mhasa Atmospheric Research Station at University of Galway, echoed this sentiment, stating that record wind speeds were always a possibility, “It was coming because for years and years it was recording the highest wind speed in almost every storm. So it was coming, but we didn’t know how bad it would be,” he said.
As Ireland begins the arduous task of recovery, the memory of Storm Éowyn will remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, a testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of its people.
Storm Eowyn: Ireland Batters by Record-breaking Winds
Storm Eowyn, an unprecedented storm with record-breaking wind speeds, lashed Ireland on January 24, 2025, disrupting travel, knocking out power, and leaving a trail of damage in its wake.
The storm’s relentless force was felt most acutely in the north and northwest, as the low-pressure system’s center drifted towards Scotland. Liz Coleman of Met Éireann, the national meteorological service, cautioned, “There’s still a lot of impacts there out on the roads. Any trees compromised in the red-wind scenario could come down easier in the orange warning,” urging continued caution despite the lifting of the red alert.
Describing the storm as “extraordinary,” with “highest wind gusts and mean wind speed ever recorded,” Ms. Coleman emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Eowyn, stating, “There still are further impacts to be expected across the country.”
The storm’s impact on Ireland’s infrastructure was immediate and widespread.Brian Tapley of ESB Networks, Ireland’s electricity supplier, reported “widespread, countrywide and extensive” power outages. He explained that engineers were prioritizing safety, responding to “extreme danger calls” and securing critical infrastructure. A complete assessment of the damage would be possible once the danger subsided.
Air travel was significantly disrupted, with airports across the country experiencing numerous cancellations. Flightradar24, a global flight tracking service, reported 157 cancellations at Edinburgh Airport, 108 at London Heathrow, 100 at Dublin, 84 at Glasgow, and 55 at aberdeen. Notably, a Ryanair flight en route from london to Edinburgh was forced to divert to Cologne due to the severe weather.Train services were also suspended by iarnród Éireann, ireland’s national railway company. Concerns over fallen trees and damage to overhead lines meant that extensive checks were necessary before services could resume.
The storm’s fierce winds forced fishing boats to seek shelter in harbors like Bantry Bay, where the fury of the storm was captured in dramatic photographs.
As the storm’s intensity gradually abated, the focus shifted to the monumental task of recovery. Communities across Ireland began the process of assessing the damage and working together to restore power, transportation, and essential services.
Ireland is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, a historic tempest that has lashed the nation with unprecedented wind speeds and widespread chaos.
“This is a historic storm,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin declared, urging the public to prioritize safety and remain indoors. His plea resonated as the storm’s full force began to unveil the extent of the damage across the country.
Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed the call for caution, advising people to steer clear of outdoor spaces for the foreseeable future. He shared worrying news of extensive storm damage and reported that Ireland had witnessed its highest recorded wind speeds.
The impact of Storm Éowyn is felt acutely across the country. The GAA centre of excellence in Mayo has sustained significant damage, and social media platforms are awash with images depicting the storm’s ferocity, including a now flattened ice rink in Blanchardstown.
Harris further underscored the urgency of maintaining vigilance,stating,”Continue to heed the red warning and do not travel.” He added a stark warning about the perilous conditions at the coast, cautioning, “The sea and shoreline are extremely dangerous.”
The authorities are working tirelessly, with the emergency team convening to assess the damage and coordinate the response. However, the warning remains clear: Ireland is navigating a challenging storm, and safety remains paramount.
Amidst the chaos unleashed by Storm Eowyn, a glimmer of normalcy shone through Dublin Airport’s gates this morning. Two Ryanair flights departed, headed for Birmingham and Faro respectively. This striking departure amidst the national red alert, with travel strongly discouraged, raises eyebrows. The question remains: how many passengers risked the storm to board these flights?
While the storm raged across the country, Dublin’s usually bustling streets were eerily silent. A normal Friday would see an estimated 1,000 Dublin Buses traversing the city, but today, the number stood at zero.
As parts of the country transitioned from red to orange warnings, Met Éireann emphasized a crucial point: while the severity of the warnings was shifting, vigilance was still paramount. “Please note that our Red and Orange warning are valid in parallel. Red Level Warnings expire for some counties at 10 or 11AM, but the Orange warning continues for them.From then on, Orange and Yellow warnings apply for various regions, and Donegal experiences Red until 2pm,” the service clarified on Twitter.
Dublin might have experienced a reprieve from the storm’s full wrath so far, but there were moments of intense turbulence. “On some levels Dublin appears to have escaped the worst of the storm so far but every now and then there is a gust and it is indeed like the roof is going to come off,” one resident commented,
Storm Éowyn: Travel Disruptions, Power Outages, and Aid for Affected Residents
the remnants of Storm Éowyn continue to wreak havoc across Ireland, causing widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and damage to property. Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed, leaving travelers stranded and anxious.
“Many travellers will understandably be concerned about flight delays or cancellations consequently of Storm Éowyn,” says Guy Hobbs, a travel expert with Which?.While airlines are not obligated to offer compensation for weather-related disruptions, they are legally required to provide option flights or refunds. Hobbs advises travelers to “check with your airline for the latest updates before setting off” and to review their travel insurance policies “to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may incur as a result of delays.”
The storm has also plunged a significant portion of the country into darkness. Over 715,000 homes and businesses are currently without power, and ESB Networks anticipates this number to rise significantly. Brian Tapley, the regional manager for ESB Networks, delivered a sobering prediction, stating, “It’s widespread and the damage is extensive to the network. It is indeed going to be easily a week if not more before we have all customers restored.”
He confirmed that only emergency calls would be answered until the red-wind warning is lifted and that the Air Corps and Army would be deployed to assist with restoring power. The combination of canceled flights, power outages, and damaged infrastructure paints a stark picture of the storm’s impact on daily life.
In response to the widespread damage, the Department of Housing has announced that the Humanitarian Assistance scheme will be available for those directly affected by Storm Éowyn. This program provides income-tested financial support to households grappling with the aftermath of severe weather events, helping to alleviate some of the hardship.
The scheme can cover emergency support payments for essentials like food and clothing, as well as assistance for damage to homes and essential contents. Structural damage is also a potential area of coverage. However,it is essential to remember that the scheme does not replace insurance payouts,nor does it cover losses deemed inessential or luxury items.
For detailed information on the scheme’s eligibility criteria and the range of assistance available, residents are advised to contact the Community Welfare Service directly.
Storm Éowyn Batters Ireland: Hundreds of Thousands without Power
Storm Éowyn has unleashed its fury on Ireland, leaving a trail of destruction and widespread power outages in its wake. As of 8am,over 715,000 homes,farms,and businesses were plunged into darkness,according to ESB Networks,the country’s electricity provider. The storm continues to rage, with Met Éireann, Ireland’s meteorological service, issuing red and orange wind warnings for the entire country. The ESB anticipates that restoring power could take a considerable amount of time.
“Extreme, damaging and destructive winds associated with Storm Éowyn have continued to cause widespread and extensive damage to the electricity network across the country,” the ESB Networks statement reads. “With Met Éireann Status Red and Orange wind warnings remaining in place for the entire country until later this afternoon, more power outages can be expected throughout the day as the storm tracks northwards.”
This unprecedented situation has forced the ESB to focus on emergency calls. Damage assessments are scheduled for later in the afternoon, once the red alert subsides.
“From our experience of previous significant weather events and due to the severity of Storm Éowyn, we expect that power restoration will take a significant number of days,” the ESB networks statement warns. “Given the extent of the damage nationwide estimated restoration times (ERTs) will only be provided once our teams have assessed network faults and these will then be available to view throughout Saturday.”
The storm’s impact extends beyond power outages. Irish Water has reported that water treatment plants serving around 115,000 homes have lost power. While reserves are available, the utility company is urging consumers to conserve water to ensure supplies are not depleted.
In Northern Ireland, Storm Éowyn has also caused widespread disruptions, leaving 93,000 homes and businesses without electricity. There have been more than 70 reports of fallen trees and other road obstructions, while numerous flights have been canceled at Belfast International and Belfast City airports.
This is a developing situation. For the latest information on power outages,you can visit the ESB Powercheck website: here.
Storm Éowyn: Over Half a Million Homes Plunged into Darkness
A powerful storm packing ferocious winds is wreaking havoc across Ireland, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the dark.
As day breaks, the ESB has confirmed that at least 715,000 properties are without power, a number they warn is highly likely to climb. This figure dwarfs the 400,000 homes and businesses affected by Storms Darragh and Ophelia, illustrating the unprecedented scale of this storm’s impact.
“Unprecedented and widespread” is how the ESB is describing the outages across the country. While reports are still pouring in from the hardest-hit areas, images out of County Clare paint a picture of devastation.
over on social media, users are sharing images of downed trees, flooded roads, and widespread damage. Across the country,people are waking to a darkened world.
Adding to the urgency, the ESB has issued a stark warning: ”An critically important public safety message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.”
In a message to their customers, ESB has reassured that their customer contact centre agents are ready to assist those affected by the storm. However, information regarding specific outages won’t be available until the network assessment is complete. “Our customer contact centre agents will be supporting customers throughout Storm Éowyn but will not be in a position to provide outage information until the network assessment has been fully conducted.”
storm Éowyn battered Ireland, causing widespread disruption and forcing authorities to halt public transport across the country.High winds wreaked havoc, leaving behind scenes of destruction, with advertising displays ripped from buildings and debris scattered across roads.
Public transport ground to a halt,leaving commuters stranded. Luas, Dublin’s tram network, suspended all Red and Green Line services, urging passengers to consult their website for updates.A serious road incident occured in Lifford, County Donegal, prompting authorities to respond swiftly.
“Unfortunately, we are attending a serious road traffic collision on the N14, just north of Lifford,” confirmed Supt liam Geraghty.
While authorities worked tirelessly to restore normalcy, the storm’s impact remained significant, underscoring the unpredictable nature of severe weather events.
Ireland Batters Down the hatches as Powerful Storm Rages
A powerful storm is sweeping across Ireland, leaving a trail of disruption and urging residents to stay indoors.Red wind warnings are in place across the entire country, with forecasters predicting that the worst is yet to come for the north.
Sheila Kavanagh from Vodafone reported significant service outages,with 90,000 customers experiencing home broadband disruptions due to power failures. A staggering 10% of their mobile network sites are also offline. “This is a fast-progressing storm so we anticipate that the storm will pass quickly,” Kavanagh assured the public. “And obviously, only when it’s safe to do so, we will be dispatching our field teams. We have tripled our field resources so we can deal with this storm as quickly as possible and recover services.”
The storm,aptly described by Kavanagh as “fast-progressing”, demonstrates the swift and potentially devastating impact of severe weather events. The situation demands vigilance and preparedness from residents.
The morning commute has been largely deserted, with Dublin Airport reporting a heavy drop in passenger traffic. Graeme McQueen, spokesperson for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), confirmed that the airport is largely shut down. “Planes can’t take off and land at the moment so nothing is happening and we’re not expecting anything certainly before just before 9am.”
McQueen highlighted the uncertainty surrounding flight schedules for the rest of the day, urging passengers to remain in contact with their airlines for updates. “The airlines are meeting now to decide on their schedules for the rest of the day,” he noted.
The storm’s effects are widely felt across the country, impacting both essential services and daily life. The DAA’s statement underscores the disruptive nature of the storm, with the cancellation of numerous flights, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the severe weather.
Gerry Murphy, a forecaster, provided a glimpse of potential respite.He stated, “The main message is that north of that line roughly from west Clare to Dublin over the coming hours the winds are going to increase further.” However, he cautioned that “even when the red warnings are lifted, the country will be under an orange warning for much of the day,” indicating that vigilance should be maintained even as the storm begins to subside.
This moment serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness during severe weather events.
Storm Éowyn: ireland Batters Under Red Wind Warning
Ireland is facing a serious onslaught from Storm Éowyn, with a status red wind warning in effect across the entire island. Fallen trees are clogging roads nationwide, making travel treacherous.
The N59 is wholly blocked on the Skreen side of Dromore West in Sligo due to a downed tree, and wires are also down on the approach to Ballisodare on the same road. The N4 near Newtownforbes, Co. Longford, is impassable with multiple trees down, effectively blocking the village on both sides.
Reports of fallen trees are coming in from all corners of the country, with Longford experiencing the brunt of the storm. Most roads leading out of Longford are blocked, and incidents have also been reported in Athlone and across Dublin.
While the situation is severe, Sean Downey from the Construction Industry Federation reassures residents living near building sites with towering cranes. “They’re traditionally part of the permanent structure of the foundations as they’re being erected and they’re actually built to withstand very, very strong winds,” he explains, adding, “I would not be concerned with that at all.”
ireland West Airport in Co. Mayo has suspended all operations until 1 pm, advising passengers on flights scheduled between 8 am and 2 pm not to travel to the airport.
Even the typically hardy city of Galway is not unscathed. Salthill, a popular seaside area in Galway, witnessed particularly challenging conditions overnight.
Photograph: Dublin Fire Brigade
The severity of Storm Eyown is evident in visuals like this image of Dublin Fire Brigade responding to a fallen tree on Nutley Lane. A tweet from met Éireann provides further insight into the situation:
The tweet from Ireland’s national meteorological service confirmed the extent of the storm’s impact, disrupting crucial data streams from key observation stations. As the storm continues to rage, residents and authorities are bracing for potential widespread damage and disruption.>
The senior forecaster at Met Éireann, Gerry Murphy, has just issued a sobering assessment of what is happening and what is to come with more structural damage, more power outages and more disruption on the way in the hours ahead
Speaking on Morning Ireland he said Éowyn was an “extreme storm and it has already broken records for the all-time mean wind speed and all-time gust for ireland.”
At Mace Head in Galway at 4am there was a mean speed of 135km/h which breaks the previous record of 131km/h and at 5am there was a gust of 183km/h, which breaks the previous record of 182km/h.
“This is a very,very serious storm [and] the winds are very,very strong. As you’d expect they are strongest over the western half of the country but they’re going to be very strong right the way up through the midlands as well,” he said.
“This morning we can expect further power outages because the winds are not yet at their strongest over counties over the northern half of the country [and] as you go through the midlands in particular and especially the north midlands through the morning those winds are going to increase. In fact they’re going to increase over much of the northern half of the country.”
He said “structural damage is almost inevitable really [and] the messaging of the red warnings is to adhere to those diligently and to stay at home this morning because it is a very, very stormy morning … people need to take the utmost care. it will all be over by mid afternoon so it’s not much to give up on a morning in order to stay safe.”
A status red wind warning is now in effect for 25 counties, with Donegal and Northern Ireland to fall into the same category at 7am.
Flights to and from Shannon Airport have been cancelled with gusts of almost 140km/h recorded there this morning. In a statement, the airport has said it “remains open and our staff continue to monitor this extreme weather event. Our full schedule will resume once weather conditions permit”.
It is indeed worth noting that hurricane-force winds will sweep over parts of the west, northwest and north this morning.
More than half a million homes and businesses are currently without power across the country.According to the most recent data, 560,000 properties have no electricity right now with few – if any – counties escaping outages.
In a statement, ESB Networks said its teams will commence restoring power where safe to do so
“There has been unprecedented, widespread and extensive damage to electricity infrastructure so far with power outages nationwide affecting 560,000 customers as of 6am; we anticipate significant further outages as Storm Éowyn moves across the country
“An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999
“ESB Networks crews and partner contractors will be deployed when safe to do so, to assess the network and work to safely restore power as quickly as possible in challenging conditions.”
Red wind warnings have just come into force for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary.
This is only the third time Met Éireann has issued the highest-level alert for the entire country.
The first was during Storm ophelia in 2017 and then again for Storm Emma in 2018. Donegal will be the last county where the weather warnings are lifted with the red alert valid there until 3pm on Friday.
“This is a storm like no storm you have
Storm Éowyn: Travel Chaos Grips Ireland as Flights cancelled
Prepare for travel disruptions as storm Éowyn, a powerful storm system, slams into Ireland. Dublin Airport has issued a stark warning, revealing a high number of flight cancellations due to the storm’s anticipated impact.
alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather paints a grim picture, stating, “This is the most severe storm Ireland has ever experienced.”
Pictures surfacing from Donaghadee in County Down showcase the storm’s ferocity, with numerous warning signs posted throughout the town. the sight of these signs serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by Storm Éowyn. Expect widespread travel chaos and be prepared for delays and cancellations across all forms of transport.
storm Éowyn: Ireland Batters by Record Breaking Winds
Ireland braced itself for the wrath of Storm Éowyn, a tempest packing winds that shattered decades-old records.As early as Friday morning, Dublin Airport was preparing for the impact, announcing the cancellation of over 200 flights. “Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring very strong winds to the Dublin region," the airport tweeted, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
And the forecast didn’t disappoint. At Mace head in Galway, a gust of 183km/h was recorded at 5 am, breaking the previous Irish record of 182km/h, which had stood since 1945. “We now have also broken the record gust for Ireland with a gust of 183kmh at mace Head at 5am. The old record stood as 1945 also and was 182kmh,” tweeted Carlow Weather, aptly summarizing the magnitude of the storm’s impact.
The intensity of Storm Éowyn was further underscored by the widespread red weather alerts issued across the country. “Red weather alerts are now in place across much of Ireland,” highlighting the imminent danger posed by the storm. Areas including Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Clare, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo were under the highest level of wind warnings.
The storm’s fury was particularly evident in Ceann Mhása in Connemara, Co Galway, where gusts exceeding 174km/h were recorded. This unprecedented severity forced airlines to ground most flights, with Dublin Airport particularly affected. “At least 200 flights to and from Dublin Airport have already been cancelled this morning,” reported sources.Early departures were heavily impacted, with departures up until 8:45 am canceled, with only a few exceptions.
Travelers were advised to stay vigilant and maintain constant communication with their airlines before venturing to any airport in the country. The storm’s impact extended beyond flight disruptions, as the ESB’s PowerCheck system was also likely affected, leaving many homes and businesses vulnerable to power outages.
A widespread power outage is currently affecting communities across the nation, leaving at least 150,000 homes and businesses without electricity. The situation is unfolding rapidly, with reports of disruptions coming in from various regions.
What are the specific safety precautions recommended for individuals in areas affected by Storm Éowyn?
Storm Éowyn grips Ireland: An Interview with Met ÉireannS Laura O’Connor
Ireland is currently grappling with the wrath of Storm Éowyn, a tempest that has brought with it unprecedented gusts of wind and widespread travel disruptions. we spoke to Laura O’Connor, a meteorologist with Met Éireann, to gain a clearer understanding of the storm’s impact.
Hi Laura, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you paint a picture of the current situation in Ireland as Storm Éowyn batters the nation?
It’s certainly been a wild start to the weekend, John. Storm Éowyn has materialized as a truly powerful system, and we’re seeing the effects across the contry. High winds, up to 183km/h at Mace Head in galway, are causing widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and some damage in certain areas.
The gale-force winds are certainly breaking records. Can you elaborate on the importance of the wind speeds we’re seeing and their impact?
Absolutely. The 183km/h gust at mace Head is remarkably high, surpassing the previous Irish record set in 1945. This level of wind power is simply unprecedented in recent history. The force is causing widespread damage to trees, power lines, and infrastructure. We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution and stay indoors if possible.
We’re hearing reports of numerous flight cancellations and power outages. How long are we looking at these disruptions lasting?
Regrettably, it’s tough to say precisely when things will return to normal.Our meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s progress, but its movement and intensity are variable. It’s likely that some disruptions, notably to flights, will continue for the remainder of today, and possibly into tommorow. Power outages are also a concern, and our thoughts are with those affected.
For those in impacted areas, what are the most crucial safety precautions they should take?
Stay indoors if at all possible. Avoid venturing outside during the storm. If you must travel, please drive with extreme caution, as roads can become hazardous due to debris and wind. be particularly careful around coastal areas, where conditions can be exceptionally perilous due to strong tides and potential storm surges. Stay informed about whether updates and heed all warnings issued by authorities.
What’s the message you’d like to leave our readers with as Storm Éowyn continues to impact Ireland?
This storm is serious business. Please prioritize your safety and well-being. stay informed, follow official guidance, and remember, during severe weather, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
