Storm Eowyn Wreaks Havoc Across Ireland, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

Storm Eowyn has led to nearly a third of Ireland's electricity customers losing power due to record-breaking winds, impacting travel and prompting safety warnings across the affected regions.

Hundreds of thousands of residents in Ireland faced power outages on Friday as Storm Eowyn swept across the nation, bringing unprecedented wind speeds and severe weather conditions. The storm impacted many regions of Ireland and neighboring countries, with forecasts indicating dangerous weather patterns throughout the day.

According to the Irish Meteorological Service, wind gusts reached alarming speeds, surpassing 70 miles per hour, especially along the hills and coastal areas of the Irish Sea. In County Galway, a staggering gust of 114 m.p.h. was recorded, breaking a long-standing record from 1945. As a result, ESB Networks, the state-owned electricity utility, reported that around 715,000 of its 2.4 million customers were left without power by Friday morning, marking a serious disruption for the country.

The storm not only affected power supply but also led to adverse weather including rain and potential hail and snow, particularly in Scotland. Travel systems across Ireland and northern England faced significant disruptions, with Northern Rail urging customers to reconsider their travel plans. Airports, including Belfast International, advised travelers to remain at home due to grounded flights and ongoing power outages affecting operations.

Meteorologists noted that a robust jet stream, which usually moves air quickly across the globe, intensified the storm, reaching speeds of 260 m.p.h. this week. This marked Eowyn as one of the most severe storms to strike Ireland in recent years, recalling memories of devastating storms from 2017 that resulted in tragic losses. As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the storm’s impact and provide updates for residents and travelers alike.