Ireland is on high alert as Storm Éowyn barrels towards the country, prompting Met Éireann to issue severe weather warnings for both wind and rain. Red weather alerts – the highest level warnings – have been issued for multiple regions, alongside orange and yellow alerts, signaling potentially life-threatening conditions.
Status Red Warnings: A Severe Threat
Red wind warnings have been implemented for the following counties:
- Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon, and Tipperary
Timing: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, January 24th. - Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Waterford
Timing: 2:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Friday, January 24th. - Clare, Galway
Timing: 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, January 24th. - Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo Timing: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, January 24th.
- Donegal
Timing: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, January 24th.
These areas are at extreme risk of structural damage, power outages, unsafe travel conditions, and widespread disruptions.
Status Orange and Yellow Warnings: Significant Hazards Persist
- Orange Wind Warnings for All of Ireland:
Active from 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, January 24th. - Yellow Wind Warnings for Donegal:
Active from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday, January 24th. - Yellow Rain Warnings for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, and Wexford:
Active from 9:00 PM on Thursday, January 23rd to 5:00 AM on Friday, January 24th.
Potential Impacts:
Met Éireann warns of the following consequences due to Storm Éowyn:
- Danger to life as a result of extreme wind speeds.
- Fallen trees and structural damage to buildings.
- Significant transport disruption, cancellations, and hazardous driving conditions.
- Power outages due to damage to power lines.
- Wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
- Unsafe working conditions and interruptions to communications networks.
Call to Action: Stay Vigilant
Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors during the most dangerous periods of the storm and to avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services, utility providers, and local councils are on standby to handle the anticipated disruptions.
Stay updated on the latest developments through Met Éireann and other reliable sources as warnings are expected to be updated further.