Rare red weather warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn’s arrival.
The storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds of up to 100mph (161km/h) along exposed coasts, with the Met Office warning of flying debris, structural damage, and significant travel disruptions.
Northern Ireland will be under a red warning from 07:00 to 14:00 on Friday, coinciding with the morning rush hour. As the storm moves eastward, a second red warning will cover Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00 to 17:00. Winds in these areas are predicted to peak at 80-90mph (129-145km/h), with widespread power outages and transportation cancellations likely.
Amber warnings have also been issued for parts of Scotland and northern England on Friday. These warnings predict strong winds and heavy rain that may result in dangerous conditions.
Yellow Warnings on Friday
On Friday, Storm Éowyn is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds that will affect large parts of the UK. The Midlands, East of England, London, and South East England are expected to experience disruptive winds between early morning and mid-afternoon. Wales, the South West, and the West Midlands are likely to see heavy rainfall during the early hours of the day, with conditions improving by mid-morning.
Meanwhile, strong winds will persist across most of the country throughout the day, causing travel delays and infrastructure challenges. Snow is also predicted in northern areas of Scotland and parts of the North East and North West during the early hours, with the possibility of hazardous road conditions in these regions.
The Met Office has cautioned that trees are likely to be blown over, and travel disruptions are expected to be severe. Roads, flights, trains, and ferries could face cancellations, with power cuts potentially lasting for several days.
Widespread Impact Begins Thursday
Ahead of the storm’s peak, heavy rain and gusty winds are already affecting parts of the UK on Thursday. The south coast of England, South West, and Welsh coasts are currently experiencing large waves, sea spray, and power disruptions. These conditions are expected to last until the evening.
Storm Éowyn, the fifth named storm of the season, is predicted to bring challenging weather conditions as it moves across the UK. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
