Exact time Storm Éowyn will hit the North East as Met Office warn of gale force winds
Storm Éowyn is the first big storm of 2025, and has people scrambling to make sure they are ready for the harsh winds. Knowing exactly when the adverse weather is due to hit your area is key to staying safe in the storm.
The warning for the North East has been upgraded from yellow to amber by the Met Office with people being warned to expect power cuts and disruption on the roads and to public transport. There is also a chance that damage to buildings and homes could occur, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
The warning is in place from 6am to 9pm this Friday, January 24 and covers County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. A separate yellow weather warning is also in place for snow, covering County Durham and Northumberland.
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Met Office issues rare amber warning as Storm Éowyn heads for North East on Friday
By the early hours of Friday morning winds will begin to pick up. at around 3am before coming into full force around 9am.
Around Newcastle it's forecast to be tough enough, but nowhere near Northumberland. Berwick upon Tweed is forecast to have gusts charging in at over 47mph to the coastal town. If forecasts are accurate, that could mean the winds would be classified as gale force.
As Berwick train station is on the LNER line, the severe weather around the town could spell trouble with rail travel. National Rail have released an advisory stating that "strong winds can blow trees into infrastructure, damaging the overhead lines that power electric trains." They went on to say "The winds can mean it’s unsafe to carry out repairs at height – or with certain machinery until the winds have dropped. Trains may have to run at a reduced speed causing delays to your journey".
There has been no word yet on the impact the storm could have on Metro and bus services, but updates will be issued when more is known. The Met Office forecasts the worst of the storm will be between 12pm and 6pm, and the severity of the winds expected to reach up to 80mph in more exposed areas during this time.
They caution that there could be "increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather" resulting in "travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property" as a result of Storm Éowyn.
It is recommended to exercise caution when travelling on Friday, and to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and guidance.