Severe Impact of Storm Éowyn: Over 715,000 Homes Without Power in Ireland
Storm Éowyn has caused over 715,000 power outages in Ireland with record gusts of 113 mph. The ESB warns of further outages, predicting a week for complete restoration. Authorities advise the public to stay indoors as the storm continues, with significant damage anticipated nationwide.
Storm Éowyn has caused significant disruption across Ireland, leaving over 715,000 homes without power due to record gusts of up to 113 mph recorded in Galway. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has deemed the situation “unprecedented,” predicting further power outages as the storm progresses. Restoration efforts may take up to a week, emphasizing the widespread impact on households, farms, and businesses alike.
The weather alert system is currently on red, with Met Éireann indicating that the strongest winds have yet to reach the areas impacted. Mace Head reported a gust speed of 183 km/h, surpassing the previous record of 182 km/h from January 1945. Additionally, the mean wind speed record from 1945 has also been broken, with rescues happening across the country due to fallen trees and debris on the roads.
Authorities urge citizens to remain indoors for safety reasons, indicating the severe threat to life and property. This storm is anticipated to create hazardous conditions nationwide, impacting travel and leading to the closure of numerous public facilities. In Northern Ireland, nearly 100,000 homes also experience power outages as Storm Éowyn continues to wreak havoc.
Keith Leonard, chair of the national emergency coordination group, stated that the storm is expected to be one of the most dangerous to affect Ireland. He highlighted the likelihood of wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h, noting the unusual intensity of this weather event. The public has been advised to prepare for extensive outages and to stay sheltered during the red warnings.
Preparations should include fully charged phones and torches, alongside securing any loose outdoor items. Currently, the number of outages far surpasses previous storms such as Storm Ophelia in 2017. Leonard reiterated the necessity for the public to take these warnings seriously and prioritize their safety during this severe weather event. Citizens are reminded of a similar historical storm, Hurricane Debbie, which inflicted significant damage in 1961, underscoring the potential dangers of storms of this magnitude.
Storm Éowyn is a severe weather event impacting Ireland with unprecedented wind gusts leading to extensive power outages. As the storm progresses, emergency services are on high alert, responding to dangerous conditions on roadways and advising the public to prioritize their safety. Historical context highlights the severity of storms like this, notably Hurricane Debbie, which caused fatalities and extensive damage in the past.
In summary, Storm Éowyn poses a severe threat to safety and infrastructure across Ireland, with over 715,000 homes experiencing power outages due to record winds. Authorities are urging the public to stay indoors, prepare for extended outages, and take necessary precautions. Historical precedents underscore the potential impact and risk associated with such extreme weather events, necessitating cautious and proactive behavior among citizens during the storm.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
