Ireland and the United Kingdom are bracing for a powerful storm named Éowyn, which forecasters are describing as a “weather bomb” poised to unleash destructive winds, heavy rain, and potential snow, Bloomberg reports.
The storm, amplified by an Arctic blast that recently impacted the United States, is expected to cause widespread disruption across the region.
In Ireland, authorities have urged residents to stay home on Friday, with schools closed and severe weather warnings in effect. Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, has issued red wind warnings across the entire country starting at 2:00 AM Friday, warning of “significant disruption due to fallen trees and structural damage.” Gusts of up to 81 mph are expected, making travel exceptionally dangerous.
The UK is also preparing for significant impacts, with major transportation disruptions anticipated. Train services between the north of England and Scotland have been canceled, and authorities are warning of wind damage, flooding, and power outages. The Met Office has issued an orange wind warning for Northern Ireland, northern England, Wales, and Scotland, starting at 6:00 AM Friday. Exposed coastal areas are predicted to bear the brunt of the storm, potentially experiencing gusts of up to 90 miles per hour. London and other areas are under a yellow alert.
Adding to the potential dangers, Storm Éowyn is also expected to bring snow to parts of the UK. The Scottish Highlands are forecast to receive up to 10 inches of snow, with snow warnings also issued for northern England.
The origins of the storm’s intensity can be traced back to an Arctic blast that swept through the United States earlier this week, causing significant disruption in the typically snow-less American South. This weather system is believed to have strengthened the jet stream, effectively “gassing up” the storm and fueling its ferocity.
