Powerful Cyclone Storm Eowyn Brings Turbulent Weather to British Isles Regions, Causing Devastating Winds and Disrupting Daily Life.
Storm Eowyn Brings Devastating Winds to Ireland and UK
The strongest gusts from Storm Eowyn have been recorded at over 183 kilometers per hour (114 miles per hour) near the Galway coast in the west of Ireland, breaking a previous record set in 1945.
Severe Impact on Power and Transportation
The storm has cut power to homes, grounding hundreds of flights and forcing public transport to come to a standstill. Officials have closed schools and warned people to stay indoors. The ESB Networks reported “unprecedented” damage to its network, leaving over 700,000 homes and businesses in Ireland without power.
Record-Breaking Wind Gusts
According to Met Eireann, the meteorological office in Ireland, record-breaking wind gusts of 183 kilometers per hour (114 miles per hour) were recorded early in the morning near the Galway coast. The previous record, of 182 kilometers per hour, was set in 1945.
Red Warning Issued
A rare nationwide red warning for wind has been issued across Ireland, citing “a danger to life.” Met Eireann warned of “extremely dangerous traveling conditions” and the prospect of coastal flooding. The UK Met Office also issued a warning for Scotland and UK-governed Northern Ireland, saying the storm was likely to damage buildings, uproot trees, and cause power cuts.
Impact on Daily Life
The storm has forced public transport to come to a standstill, closing schools and roads. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports in the cities of Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Schools across the country are closed, and hospital appointments have been canceled due to significant disruption expected as a result of the storm.
Protecting Your Home
To protect your home before, during, and after the storm, ensure that all devices are charged, have emergency lighting such as torches easily accessible in case of power cuts, and have ready access to additional blankets or sources of warmth in the event of heating supply disruption. In an emergency, call 999.
Emergency Contacts
To report faults or emergencies, contact:
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Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920 901
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Openreach: 08000 23 20 23
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Gas networks: 0800 002001
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NI Water: 03457 44 00 88 or visit niwater.com
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Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
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NIE Networks: 03457 643 643 or visit nienetworks.co.uk
