Authorities in both the United Kingdom and Ireland are on high alert as Storm Éowyn rapidly intensifies into one of the most powerful storms in recent memory. The extratropical "bomb" cyclone, which formed in the North Atlantic, is forecasted to bring hazardous weather conditions, including gusty winds, torrential rain, and even snow to the region.
With wind speeds potentially reaching over 80 miles per hour, Met Éireann has issued red wind warnings for much of Ireland, marking a rare and severe weather event. The UK's Met Office has also raised similar alerts for parts of Northern Ireland, with this being the first red warning since 2011. Authorities have cautioned that the storm could cause widespread damage, including uprooted trees, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions.
In response to the impending storm, all schools in both Ireland and Northern Ireland have been closed for Friday. The closures are part of broader efforts to ensure public safety, as residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Public transport in Ireland has also been suspended to minimize the risk of accidents caused by the extreme weather conditions.
Emergency services are preparing for the worst, with local authorities urging people to take precautions such as securing outdoor items and staying updated on the storm’s progress. While the storm is expected to cause significant disruption, officials are hoping that the precautions will help mitigate its impact. The public is being advised to monitor weather warnings closely and follow guidance from local authorities.
Nicholas Leach, a postdoctoral weather and climate researcher at Oxford University, warned that Storm Éowyn is likely to cause severe damage, with flying debris and fallen trees creating "extremely dangerous driving conditions." The storm, which is expected to bring both wind and snow to parts of the UK, has prompted multiple weather warnings. A yellow snowfall warning has been issued for northern England and southern Scotland, where snowfall could reach between six to ten inches, especially across Scotland's central belt, according to the Met Office.
Ambrogio Volonté, a senior research fellow at the University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology, stated that Storm Éowyn could rival the intensity of Storm Eunice (2022) and Storm Ciarán (2023), both of which caused fatalities and significant damage. While Storm Éowyn is forecast to move away from the UK by Saturday, yellow wind warnings will remain in effect for northern regions on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Storm Éowyn is an extratropical "bomb" cyclone that formed rapidly in the North Atlantic. Leach explained that bomb cyclones are typically the most powerful winter storms in Northern Europe. While the impact of the climate crisis on extratropical cyclones remains uncertain, some studies suggest that the strongest storms, like Éowyn, may be intensifying due to climate change.
Severe storm lashes parts of UK and Ireland, causing travel chaos:
Storm Éowyn has already caused widespread disruption across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with authorities urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The extreme weather, classified as a “bomb” cyclone, has intensified quickly since forming in the North Atlantic, bringing with it powerful winds and significant rainfall. The storm is expected to continue battering the region throughout Friday, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph (160 km/h) in some areas.
The UK Met Office has issued rare red warnings, its highest level of alert, for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, signaling a high risk of life-threatening conditions. The warning covers the most severe winds and potential flying debris that could cause significant damage. Travel disruptions have affected air, road, and rail services, and many schools in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland have been closed for safety reasons.
In addition to the fierce winds, the storm is also bringing heavy snow to parts of northern and central Scotland, where the Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning. Accumulations of up to six inches are expected in higher altitudes, with sleet and rain likely in lower regions. The storm is expected to move away from the UK by Saturday, though residual warnings remain in effect for parts of the country.
Authorities have advised residents to stay inside and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas with the most severe weather. The storm is also expected to cause disruption to essential services, with the possibility of power outages in some areas.
Storm Éowyn has wreaked havoc across the United Kingdom and Ireland, affecting rail and air travel, and causing widespread disruptions on the roads. Several major rail services have been impacted, including Avanti West Coast, LNER, West Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transport for Wales, and South Western Railway. In addition, more than 1,070 flights were canceled across the UK and Ireland on Friday, as reported by PA Media.
Dublin Airport has since resumed flight operations after the winds eased, although there may still be additional cancellations throughout the day. Motorists in areas with red and amber weather warnings have been advised to avoid non-essential travel as storm conditions continue to cause significant hazards.
The damage from Storm Éowyn has been evident on social media, with images of collapsed scaffolding in Dublin and overturned lorries in Durham. In Galway, Ireland, long-standing trees were uprooted by the powerful winds, leaving locals in shock. One resident described how the storm’s impact disrupted her early morning routine, with trees that had been around for over 60 years now felled by the gale-force winds.
The storm continues to bring severe weather conditions, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors where possible and take precautions against the dangerous weather.
UK Issues Severe Warnings for Storm Éowyn as Dangerous Weather Hits:
The UK Met Office has issued a red warning for Storm Éowyn, with authorities urging the public to avoid travel due to the imminent risk to life. The storm, expected to bring gusts of up to 90mph, is causing significant disruption across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Red warnings signify the most severe weather, with forecasts indicating potential damage to buildings, power outages, and major travel disruptions, including canceled trains and flights.
Emergency mobile alerts were sent out across the affected areas, marking the largest use of this tool. In Northern Ireland, the red warning is in place from 07:00 to 14:00, impacting the morning rush hour, with bus and train services suspended. First Minister Michelle O'Neill advised people to travel only when absolutely necessary.
As Storm Éowyn moves east, the red warning extends across Scotland's central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00 to 17:00. Schools in at least 20 local authorities in central Scotland will be closed, with the Scottish Parliament also shut to all non-essential staff.
With wind gusts expected to reach 80-90mph, the storm is predicted to cause widespread tree damage, travel chaos, and power cuts. Authorities have also warned of flight disruptions, particularly at Belfast City Airport, and urged drivers in affected areas to reconsider their journeys due to the dangerous conditions on the roads.
Key words: Storm Éowyn, red warning, UK, Met Office, travel disruption, power outages, storm warning, train cancellations, dangerous weather, Scotland, Northern Ireland
References:
- Brennan, E. and Shackelford, R. (2025) Storm éowyn: ‘bomb’ cyclone approaches Ireland and parts of UK as schools and Public Transport Shut, CNN. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/23/europe/storm-eowyn-uk-ireland-intl-latam/index. (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- Storm éowyn in UK and Ireland: Red alert issued; schools closed ahead of ‘dangerous and destructive’ weather event (2025) Hindustan Times. Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/storm-owyn-in-uk-and-ireland-red-alert-issued-schools-closed-ahead-of-dangerous-and-destructive-weather-event-101737693725382.html (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- Storm éowyn: Millions to get phone alert and schools and transport to shut (no date) BBC News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ye2jpjx03o.amp (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- World News Live today January 24, 2025: ‘ridiculous’: Donald Trump’s asked Russia’s Vladimir Putin to end war with Ukraine (2025) Hindustan Times. Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/world-news-live-latest-updates-on-politics-economy-conflicts-climate-change-today-january-24-2025-101737658816334.html (Accessed: 25 January 2025).
- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/23/europe/storm-eowyn-uk-ireland-intl-latam/index.
- Ambrogio Volonté - Meteorology. (2024, December 9). University of Reading. https://research.reading.ac.uk/meteorology/people/ambrogio-volonte/
- AOL is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (n.d.). https://www.aol.com/bomb-cyclone-storm-owyn-approaches-233114321.
- Best, B. (2025, January 23). Storm Éowyn: Disruption likely in NI as storm to bring high winds. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2qyv42701o
- Bonar, M. (2025, January 23). Danger to life during red wind warning as Storm Éowyn approaches Scotland. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5yvj74dyzo
- Brown, M., Brooks, L., & O’Carroll, L. (2025, January 23). Storm Éowyn: 4.5m people receive siren phone alert in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/23/storm-eowyn-red-weather-warning
- Durbin, A. R. &. A. (2025, January 23). Storm Éowyn: Millions to get phone alert and schools and transport to shut. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ye2jpjx03o
- Durbin, D. M. a. A. (2025, January 24). Storm Éowyn: One dead and more than a million without power. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78x4503neyo
- Duster, C. (2025, January 26). Rain gives LA wildfire relief but officials warn of mudslides and toxic ash. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/01/26/nx-s1-5275370/rain-gives-la-wildfire-relief-but-officials-warn-of-mudslides-and-toxic-ash
- expert reaction to Storm Éowyn | Science Media Centre. (2025, January 23). https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-storm-eowyn/
- Feed. (2025a, January 23). UK, Ireland brace for impact as Storm Eowyn approaches; schools shut. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/uk/uk-ireland-brace-for-impact-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-schools-shut/articleshow/117490070.cms?from=mdr
- Feed. (2025b, January 23). UK, Ireland brace for impact as Storm Eowyn approaches; schools shut. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/uk/uk-ireland-brace-for-impact-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-schools-shut/articleshow/117490070.cms?from=mdr
- Flights cancelled, roads closed as Storm Eowyn batters UK. (n.d.). MorningstarUK. https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1737710512175735100/flights-cancelled-roads-closed-as-storm-eowyn-batters-uk.aspx
- HT News Desk. (2025a, January 23). “Danger to life” warnings issued as Storm Eowyn approaches the UK. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/danger-to-life-warnings-issued-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-the-uk-101737633265590.
- HT News Desk. (2025b, January 24). Storm Éowyn in UK and Ireland: Red alert issued; schools closed ahead of ‘dangerous and destructive’ weather event. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/storm-owyn-in-uk-and-ireland-red-alert-issued-schools-closed-ahead-of-dangerous-and-destructive-weather-event-101737693725382.
- HT News Desk. (2025c, January 24). Storm Éowyn in UK and Ireland: Red alert issued; schools closed ahead of ‘dangerous and destructive’ weather event. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/storm-owyn-in-uk-and-ireland-red-alert-issued-schools-closed-ahead-of-dangerous-and-destructive-weather-event-101737693725382.
- Imran, S. (2025, January 26). Over 1000 flights Cancelled: The aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Aviation for Aviators. https://aviationforaviators.com/2025/01/26/over-1000-flights-cancelled-the-aftermath-of-storm-eowyn/
- Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie, official international website of Ireland | This is Ireland. (n.d.). https://www.ireland.ie/en/
- irishnews.com. (2025, January 24). Belfast flight cancellations as red weather warning brings disruptive winds. The Irish News. https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/belfast-flight-cancellations-as-red-weather-warning-brings-disruptive-winds-END3VJM6KBB7BAE5BUAJGT2GLA/
- Morris, S., & O’Carroll, L. (2025, January 28). UK weather: homes evacuated as rain and wind continue to batter England and Wales. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/28/uk-weather-homes-evacuated-rain-and-wind-batter-england-and-wales
- Online, E. (2025, January 24). 100mph winds from Storm Éowyn knock out power to millions, grounds flights in Ireland and Scotland. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/100mph-winds-from-storm-owyn-knock-out-power-to-millions-grounds-flights-in-ireland-and-scotland/articleshow/117528467.cms?from=mdr
- Red weather warnings issued with damaging winds forecast for Storm Éowyn. (n.d.-a). Met Office. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/red-weather-warnings-issued-with-damaging-winds-forecast-for-storm-eowyn
- Red weather warnings issued with damaging winds forecast for Storm Éowyn. (n.d.-b). Met Office. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/red-weather-warnings-issued-with-damaging-winds-forecast-for-storm-eowyn
- Sheila. (2023, September 19). The impact of weather conditions on accident liability in California. Northern California Personal Injury Lawyer | Law Offices of J.Chrisp. https://chrisplaw.org/the-impact-of-weather-conditions-on-accident-liability-in-california/
- Sky News. (2025, January 24). Storm Eowyn: All the cancellations and closures. https://news.sky.com/story/storm-eowyn-all-the-cancellations-and-closures-13295022
- Staff, G. 3. (2025, January 28). Storm Éowyn hits UK and Ireland: red alerts for snow, wind, and flooding. Gadgets 360. https://www.gadgets360.com/science/news/storm-owyn-hits-uk-and-ireland-red-alerts-for-snow-wind-and-flooding-7556215
- The Independent. (n.d.). Independent Asia Edition | The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/asi
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM. (2025, January 24). Destructive storm Eowyn hits UK: Record winds, power outages, and widespread disruption. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/destructive-storm-eowyn-hits-uk-record-winds-power-outages-and-widespread-disruption/photostory/117519334.cms
- TOI World Desk. (2025a, January 24). “Risk to life is extreme”: Millions in UK warned of storm Éowyn’s deadly impact. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/risk-to-life-is-extreme-millions-in-uk-warned-of-storm-owyns-deadly-impact/articleshow/117505563.cms
- TOI World Desk. (2025b, January 24). “Risk to life is extreme”: Millions in UK warned of storm Éowyn’s deadly impact. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/risk-to-life-is-extreme-millions-in-uk-warned-of-storm-owyns-deadly-impact/articleshow/117505563.cms
- Welcome to GOV.UK. (n.d.). https://www.gov.uk/
- Wral. (2025, January 23). ‘Bomb’ cyclone Storm Éowyn approaches Ireland and parts of UK as schools and public transport shut. WRAL.com. https://www.wral.com/story/schools-and-public-transport-shut-as-bomb-cyclone-storm-owyn-approaches-ireland-and-parts-of-uk/21824443/
- Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (n.d.). https://uk.news.yahoo.com/large-trees-ripped-ground-galway-115129820.html
- guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHA4pxfDbluGFq2PbgyBZw-P-h0kVGCNknUq3FUSh20bKdqrct