Major Storm Storn Éowyn Affects Ireland and Scotland with Hurricane-Force Winds
On Friday, hurricane-force winds from storm Storn Éowyn affected millions in Ireland and northern England, resulting in power outages and widespread cancellations of flights and public transport. A rare red weather warning was issued across the impacted regions, with calls for residents to stay indoors as the storm approached. The event underscores rising concerns about climate change influencing storm intensity.
Millions across Ireland and northern parts of the United Kingdom were advised to remain indoors as hurricane-force winds created significant disruptions to power and travel on Friday. The storm, named Storn Éowyn, prompted a rare “red” weather warning for the entire island of Ireland and regions of central and southwest Scotland due to severe danger to life.
Ireland experienced wind gusts peaking at 114 miles per hour, marking the strongest winds since World War II. Schools have been closed, while transportation services, including trains and flights, faced widespread cancellations across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Fortunately, the storm is expected to clear Scotland by late Friday.
Major city centers such as Dublin, Belfast, and Glasgow remained unusually quiet as residents adhered to safety precautions, reminiscent of early COVID-19 pandemic responses. Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, urged the public to stay indoors, noting the severity of the storm as the nation entered a red alert phase.
In Scotland, authorities also stressed the importance of avoiding travel during this hazardous weather event. The Scottish Parliament closed its doors amidst these warnings. Over 700,000 homes and businesses in Ireland lost power due to extensive damage, as reported by the Irish Electricity Supply Board.
The unprecedented wind gusts recorded at Mace Head surpassed a previous record of 113 miles per hour set in 1945. In Scotland, wind speeds were still historically high, with authorities cautioning residents, particularly in coastal areas, to remain vigilant. The storm’s energy stemmed partly from a weather system that previously caused significant snowfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States.
AccuWeather’s lead forecaster, Jason Nicholls, explained that the storm is driven by the jet stream, fueled by upper atmospheric energy. A rapid lowering of air pressure is anticipated, potentially transforming Éowyn into a bomb cyclone, characterized by a pressure drop of 24 millibars within 24 hours.
Experts note that while pinpointing the precise impact of climate change on specific storms remains complex, the rapid warming of the atmosphere due to human actions, such as carbon dioxide and methane emissions, contributes to the increased intensity of storms. Newcastle University’s Hayley Fowler stated, “As the climate gets warmer, we can expect these storms to become even more intense, with greater damages.”
The article discusses the severe impacts of a major storm, Storn Éowyn, which affected Ireland and parts of the U.K. on Friday. It details the extraordinary wind gusts that caused significant damage, power outages, and travel disruptions. Authorities issued a rare “red” weather warning, advising the public of the potential dangers linked to this severe weather. Furthermore, the article provides insights into how climate change may be influencing the intensification of such storms.
The storm Storn Éowyn has delivered unprecedented hurricane-force winds to Ireland and Scotland, causing substantial disruptions and power outages. Authorities have strongly advised residents to stay safe at home due to the storm’s severity, highlighting the risks involved. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, it is crucial to understand the potential for increased storm intensity in the future.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
