Storm Éowyn triggers widespread red wind warnings in UK & Ireland. Emergency alerts sent to 4.5M phones. Travel disrupted, schools closed, prepare for impact.
Storm Éowyn is poised to bring significant disruption to the UK and Ireland, triggering emergency phone alerts for millions. The storm, marked by powerful jet stream winds, has led to the issuance of red weather warnings, the highest level of alert, for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. These warnings signify a potential danger to life due to the risk of flying debris, leading to school closures and transport suspensions.
Emergency alerts are set to be sent to approximately 4.5 million people, even if their phones are on silent mode. This marks the largest real-life use of the Emergency Alerts system to date, demonstrating the severity of the impending weather conditions. The alert will cause phones to emit a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate for about 10 seconds, delivering crucial information about the weather warnings and guidance on staying safe.
In Northern Ireland, a red warning is in effect from 07:00 to 14:00 GMT on Friday, resulting in the suspension of bus and train services and the closure of schools. Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, faces a red warning from 10:00 to 17:00, with similar measures in place. The Met Office warns of potential flying debris and advises against road travel during dangerous conditions, urging people to secure loose outdoor items.
Across the UK, rapidly increasing winds are expected to cause widespread travel disruption, potential power cuts, and fallen trees. Train operators have issued warnings against travel in northern England and north Wales. The Irish weather service, Met Éireann, has issued red weather warnings across the Republic of Ireland, anticipating hurricane-force winds. The Isle of Man has also issued a red warning.
Amber warnings are in place for other parts of the UK, including northern England, north Wales, and Scotland’s central belt. Yellow weather warnings cover various regions, indicating potential for wind, rain, and snow. The Emergency Alert System has been used five times now.
The Cabinet Office, in coordination with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, is issuing the alert. The UK government asserts that well-rehearsed plans are in place, working with devolved governments, local authorities, emergency services, and public bodies to coordinate responses to any disruption.
Forecasters are drawing comparisons between Éowyn’s potential impact and that of Storm Debbie in 1961. Experts also warn of torrential rain and heavy snow across the UK, with amber and yellow wind warnings in place for other regions. The public is urged to take precautions, secure outdoor items, and prepare emergency kits. There are also suggestions of potential ‘tornado events’, especially between Bristol and London.
The Scottish parliament is closed, and schools across Scotland’s central belt are shut down, with colleges and universities advising students to stay home. All train services across Scotland are suspended. In Northern Ireland, schools are advised to close, and the public is urged to avoid forests and parks.
Public transport in the Republic of Ireland is cancelled, and people are advised to remain indoors. The storm is expected to cause power cuts, hazardous driving conditions, and infrastructure damage, including road and rail closures. Northern Railways advises against travel and has cancelled services, with LNER suspending services north of Newcastle and Avanti West Coast advising against travel north of Preston.
On January 23, 2025, the emergency alert will be issued at 6 PM, signifying the severity of the conditions. Residents are advised to avoid travel where possible and prepare for potential damage to buildings and infrastructure. Gusts of up to 100mph are expected in some areas, posing a significant ‘danger to life’ due to flying debris. In the Republic of Ireland, potential tidal surges of up to 2.5 meters are anticipated.
A national test of the Emergency Alert System is planned for later in 2025; the date will be announced later.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ye2jpjx03o
https://www.gbnews.com/news/emergency-alert-mobile-phones-storm-eowyn-uk-weather-met-office-warning
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/23/storm-eowyn-red-weather-warning