Ireland: Historic Wind Record Leaves Over 500,000 Homes Without Electricity
More than 500,000 households in Ireland were left without electricity on Friday morning as Storm Eowyn unleashed unprecedented winds, with a record gust of 183 km/h reported on the country’s west coast, according to local media.
The nation, which is home to 5.4 million residents, is under a red alert for strong winds, a warning that also extends to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, prompting authorities to advise citizens to remain indoors.
Winds exceeding 100 km/h began impacting Ireland early Friday, and the national meteorological agency, Met Éireann, confirmed that the historical record set in 1945 was surpassed around 05:00 GMT, with gusts reaching 183 km/h near Galway.
In that same area, the average wind speed record was also broken, registering 135 km/h, which is considered “hurricane strength,” the agency noted.
These intense winds have caused significant disruptions, including widespread transportation issues, leaving over half a million Irish residents without power.
Numerous flights have been canceled at Cork, Shannon, and Dublin airports. Dublin Airport announced via social media the cancellation of more than a hundred incoming and outgoing flights, warning that additional cancellations and delays are anticipated throughout the day.
The storm has also affected Northern Ireland, where 93,000 homes are without electricity, according to operator NIE Networks.
The red alert for strong winds has been in effect since 07:00 GMT, marking the first time such an alert has been issued in the province since the warning system was implemented in 2011.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, cautioned that the province is currently “in the eye of the storm” and urged the public to “stay safe.”
Schools will remain closed to students on Friday, and train and bus services are suspended. Storm Eowyn is expected to move toward Scotland, where a red alert is in place in certain areas. The entire United Kingdom is under a state of vigilance.
