Northern Ireland braces for the deadliest storm in decades, with winds reaching 100mph and a red warning in effect
Northern Ireland is facing a crisis as it prepares for the catastrophic arrival of Storm Éowyn. This storm, which has prompted the Met Office to issue an unprecedented red weather warning, is expected to bring gale-force winds unlike anything the region has experienced in recent memory. The red alert, which lasts from 07:00 to 14:00 GMT on Friday, has declared the threat to life as severe, and officials are advising people to remain indoors.
This red warning, the most serious issued by the Met Office, signifies that extreme conditions are expected. Wind speeds could soar to 100mph, particularly in coastal areas, with gusts of up to 90mph across much of the region. These winds will bring the risk of flying debris, uprooted trees, and severe disruption, making it a potentially deadly situation. For the first time since 2011, Northern Ireland faces a red warning, a rare and serious action taken by authorities only when the danger to public safety becomes overwhelming.
Local authorities have urged the public to stay home. Schools, colleges, and universities across Northern Ireland have been closed, and hospitals have cancelled most non-emergency appointments. For many, Storm Éowyn marks the beginning of a day-long battle with nature as they prepare for power outages, fallen trees, and severe transportation disruptions. Public transport services, including all bus and train routes, have been suspended by Translink, and many major supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl, are shuttered for the day.
The situation in Belfast is dire. Flights have been cancelled, and many ferry services are also suspended. Belfast City Airport has announced the cancellation of several departures, while Belfast International and City of Derry airports are bracing for similar disruptions. In addition, Dublin Airport has warned of potential delays and cancellations, urging passengers to confirm flight statuses directly with airlines.
Emergency services have been put on high alert, and the UK government has used its Emergency Alert system to notify over 4.5 million people across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland about the impending storm. The alert warns of significant damage, with experts predicting the storm could be among the most destructive ever recorded in the region.
In response to the looming disaster, political leaders are calling for the public to remain vigilant. First Minister Michelle O’Neill has advised people to work from home, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel. Education Minister Paul Givan emphasised that the closures, though disruptive, were essential to ensure the safety of children, staff, and the public.
Healthcare systems are also being impacted, as all outpatient appointments, including red flag cancer referrals, have been cancelled across four health trusts. Emergency departments, however, will remain open. With thousands of people affected by the disruption, authorities are urging citizens to check on vulnerable family members, ensuring they are safe and have access to necessary supplies.
Across the border in the Republic of Ireland, the storm is causing widespread concern, with officials warning that Storm Éowyn could be one of the most severe storms the country has ever faced. An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s police force, has advised citizens to shelter in place, reinforcing the danger posed by the storm. As winds intensify throughout the day, both nations will face the full force of what is shaping up to be a historic storm
