Disruption in NI likely as Storm Éowyn to bring high winds

Multiple warnings have been issued across Northern Ireland as Storm Éowyn makes its way.

The storm is expected to bring possible damage and disruption to parts of Ireland and the UK as it tracks east from the Atlantic.

A Met Office yellow warning for wind lasts from midnight on Thursday until midnight on Friday as the storm moves across the region, although there is still some uncertainty on how it will track.

Wind gusts between 50-60mph (80-100km/h) are expected inland, with stronger winds for coastal and exposed areas.

The yellow warning will be upgraded to amber - the second highest level - from 06:00 GMT on Friday until 21:00.

The strong winds could lead to power cuts, travel disruption, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and injuries due to flying debris and large coastal waves.

During this time, wind gusts up to 70mph (115km/h) are expected quite widely inland, and up to 80mph (130km/h) in some areas.

Exposed coasts and hills could record gusts up to 90mph (145km/h), according to the Met Office.

Red warning: Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick

Residents in the Republic of Ireland come under a status orange warning - the equivalent to a UK amber warning - from 02:00 local time to 17:00 on Friday.

Met Éireann is warning of damaging and destructive gusts up to 80mph (130km/h) during this time, possibly higher in places.

A status red warning - the highest level - comes into force across four counties from 03:00-10:00 on Friday.

Gusts exceeding 80mph (130km/h) are expected posing a danger to life, with Met Éireann warning of widespread power outages, structural damage, and unsafe working conditions.

On the west coast of Ireland, weather forecast models are even suggesting wind gusts of 100-120mph (161-193km/h) throughout Friday.

These wind speeds could be the strongest experienced here since Storm Debbie in 1961.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group said schools, early learning and childcare settings and further and higher education institutions in red level warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.

The group said employers in red warning areas should facilitate working from home for all employees who can do so. Only emergency service workers should be leaving home for work, where directed by their employer, it said.

Widespread disruption to public and other services is to be anticipated.

Storm Éowyn is the fifth named storm of the winter season, and follows Storm Darragh which hit on 5 December 2024.

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