On January 24, 2025, Storm Eowyn swept across Ireland, Scotland, and northern England, revealing the stark vulnerability of the region to severe weather. With winds reaching record-breaking speeds, the storm affected nearly a third of ESB Networks’ approximately 2.4 million customers in Ireland, knocking out power for an alarming 715,000 individuals.
The Irish Meteorological Service warned of continuous gales throughout the day, with sky-high winds recorded as high as 114 miles per hour at Mace Head in County Galway, exceeding previous records set in 1945. Forecasters anticipated rain, hail, and snow across northern areas, increasing public apprehension regarding travel safety and general wellbeing.
The aftermath of Eowyn forced significant travel disruptions, with Northern Rail in England advising against travel during the storm due to severe delays. Additionally, hundreds of flights faced cancellations at various airports, including Belfast International Airport, where intermittent power outages added to the predicament.
The ferocity of Eowyn can be attributed to a reinforced jet stream, which is currently pushing weather patterns at astonishing speeds. This severe weather event marks the most intense storm to hit Ireland since 2017, raising alarms over the region’s resilience to climate-induced disasters.
Experts are urging communities to remain attentive to weather updates and to adopt precautionary measures to mitigate further disruptions.
Reporting from London, Claire Moses emphasizes the need for heightened preparations during extreme weather events as communities come to grips with the impacts of climate change.
