Over 700,000 households in Ireland are without electricity due to Storm Éowyn, with expectations that the number will rise. Prime Minister Martin described the storm as historic.
In Ireland, power lines are above ground, making them vulnerable to significant damage. Schools and public buildings in both Ireland and the United Kingdom are closed today.
The storm’s impact is also felt in the Netherlands, where around twenty flights to and from the UK and Ireland at Schiphol Airport have been cancelled, including flights to Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast. Storm Éowyn is the strongest in decades and may reach hurricane strength if winds sustain at force 12.
Wind gusts of 183 km/h have already been recorded on the west coast. Force 12 is declared when wind speeds average 117 km/h or higher over ten minutes.
The Irish Meteorological Service has issued a red warning, which is rare for the entire country.
Source: NOS