Storm Éowyn, one of the most powerful storms to hit the UK and Ireland in recent years, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Over 420,000 properties across the two nations remain without power as energy companies scramble to repair the extensive damage caused by the storm’s record-breaking winds. The clean-up and restoration efforts have been further complicated by the lingering strong winds and rain.
Unprecedented Wind Speeds and Widespread Damage
Éowyn slammed into the UK and Ireland on Friday with hurricane-strength gusts that reached up to 114mph in Mace Head, County Galway, and 100mph in Drumalbin, South Lanarkshire. These were the highest wind speeds Ireland had experienced in around 80 years. The ferocious winds uprooted trees, downed power lines, and even snapped a wind turbine in two in County Galway.
The storm’s impact was felt across a wide area, causing:
- Travel disruptions with over 1,000 flights canceled
- Significant damage to infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings
- Tragically, one fatality – 20-year-old Kacper Dudek in County Donegal
Hundreds of Thousands Left in the Dark
At the height of Storm Éowyn’s fury, more than 1 million homes and businesses were left without electricity. As of Sunday, around 420,000 properties were still experiencing power outages:
- Northern Ireland: approximately 101,000 customers
- Republic of Ireland: about 300,000 properties
- Scotland: 20,000 households and businesses
From what we are seeing so far, we believe that it will be around 10 days by the time we complete the repairs needed to get power back to everyone.
– Derek Hynes, Managing Director of NIE Networks
Storm Herminia Complicates Recovery
Just as the cleanup began, the Met Office issued fresh weather warnings for wind and rain across the UK until Tuesday due to Storm Herminia arriving from Spain. With wind speeds of 50-60mph expected widely and up to 80mph possible near coasts, Herminia threatens to hinder the massive repair operation underway.
While forecasters say Herminia won’t be as severe as Éowyn, it could still hamper progress. Scottish First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the ongoing risks:
I want to thank people for their continued patience and encourage them to take extra care and look out for each other, particularly those who are supporting vulnerable neighbours and family members.
– John Swinney, Scotland First Minister
As energy companies work tirelessly to restore power, and with more challenging weather on the way, affected residents are being urged to check on vulnerable neighbors, be extremely cautious near any storm damage, and prepare for the possibility of extended outages in some areas. The road to recovery from Storm Éowyn looks to be a long one, with Storm Herminia adding unwelcome obstacles along the way.
