The storm, one of the most severe in recent years, has disrupted travel and caused power outages for nearly a third of Ireland's utility customers.
**Storm Eowyn Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland and Britain**
**Storm Eowyn Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland and Britain**
Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc with record winds that leave hundreds of thousands in the dark.
Hundreds of thousands of residents in Ireland faced power outages on Friday as Storm Eowyn unleashed record-breaking winds across the island, prompting widespread disruption. The storm was particularly fierce, with gusts registered at 114 miles per hour in County Galway, surpassing a long-standing record set in 1945.
According to the Irish Meteorological Service, the storm's path included not only Ireland but also Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and parts of northern and western England and Wales, where strong winds were predicted. By morning, approximately 715,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, representing nearly a third of ESB Networks' 2.4 million customers.
In addition to powerful winds, the storm brought heavy rain, and there were alerts for potential hail and snow in the Scottish hills. Britain's Meteorological Office issued warnings about the possibility of "very dangerous conditions," which had significant implications for travel.
The storm's ferocity disrupted transport across regions, impacting rail services and air travel significantly. Northern Rail advised its customers to postpone travel on Friday and Saturday as severe service disruptions continued. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports, with Belfast International Airport experiencing intermittent outages and urging passengers to check flight statuses directly with airlines.
The strength of Storm Eowyn was bolstered by a notably powerful jet stream, which this week reached speeds up to 260 miles per hour—much higher than its usual range. This storm stands as the most significant to hit Ireland since 2017, when another severe weather event resulted in multiple fatalities.
According to the Irish Meteorological Service, the storm's path included not only Ireland but also Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and parts of northern and western England and Wales, where strong winds were predicted. By morning, approximately 715,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, representing nearly a third of ESB Networks' 2.4 million customers.
In addition to powerful winds, the storm brought heavy rain, and there were alerts for potential hail and snow in the Scottish hills. Britain's Meteorological Office issued warnings about the possibility of "very dangerous conditions," which had significant implications for travel.
The storm's ferocity disrupted transport across regions, impacting rail services and air travel significantly. Northern Rail advised its customers to postpone travel on Friday and Saturday as severe service disruptions continued. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports, with Belfast International Airport experiencing intermittent outages and urging passengers to check flight statuses directly with airlines.
The strength of Storm Eowyn was bolstered by a notably powerful jet stream, which this week reached speeds up to 260 miles per hour—much higher than its usual range. This storm stands as the most significant to hit Ireland since 2017, when another severe weather event resulted in multiple fatalities.
