Hundreds of thousands of residents in Ireland were plunged into darkness on Friday as Storm Eowyn unleashed unprecedented winds across the region, with gusts recorded as high as 114 miles per hour in County Galway. This storm has left approximately 715,000 of ESB Networks’ 2.4 million customers without power, marking a significant event for the small nation.
As the storm swept through the island, warnings were issued for all regions, including Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, with predictions of sustained gales and heavy rainfall. The Irish Meteorological Service reported strong winds affecting public safety, prompting the National Rail service in Northern England to advise travelers to refrain from journeying due to anticipated travel disruptions.
Air travel also faced significant challenges, with hundreds of flights grounded as airports, particularly Belfast International, urged passengers to verify their flight statuses before heading out, citing intermittent power outages.
Meteorologists attribute the storm's severity to an exceptionally strong jet stream, which this week hit speeds of 260 miles per hour, greatly enhancing Storm Eowyn's power. This storm is noted as the most severe to impact Ireland since 2017, emphasizing the threat posed by extreme weather events.
Residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed and follow updates to navigate the dangerous conditions that continue in the wake of Storm Eowyn.
As the storm swept through the island, warnings were issued for all regions, including Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, with predictions of sustained gales and heavy rainfall. The Irish Meteorological Service reported strong winds affecting public safety, prompting the National Rail service in Northern England to advise travelers to refrain from journeying due to anticipated travel disruptions.
Air travel also faced significant challenges, with hundreds of flights grounded as airports, particularly Belfast International, urged passengers to verify their flight statuses before heading out, citing intermittent power outages.
Meteorologists attribute the storm's severity to an exceptionally strong jet stream, which this week hit speeds of 260 miles per hour, greatly enhancing Storm Eowyn's power. This storm is noted as the most severe to impact Ireland since 2017, emphasizing the threat posed by extreme weather events.
Residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed and follow updates to navigate the dangerous conditions that continue in the wake of Storm Eowyn.
