Storm Éowyn to bring snow and 'very strong winds' across Northern Ireland

Storm Éowyn
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Northern Ireland is set to be battered by Storm Éowyn at the end of this week, with weather experts warning that it'll bring strong winds, heavy rain and snow.

Storm Éowyn has been named with disruptive winds likely for some on Friday and Saturday. The system could bring gusts in excess of 80mph on exposed coasts in Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales and western Scotland, with Met Office Yellow Severe Weather Warnings issued and further updates likely in the coming days, the Met Office has said.

It's reported that Storm Éowyn will begin to influence the UK’s weather early on Friday. A spokesperson for the Met Office said there is also "a chance of snow over Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland as the system initially bumps into cold air".

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Read more: New amber wind warning for NI as 90mph gusts expected

Read more: Storm Éowyn to bring 'destructive' 80mph winds for entire island of Ireland

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “Storm Éowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday. The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales and western Scotland, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas.

"There will also be some heavy rain, bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week. The initial warning for Storm Éowyn has been issued several days in advance, so it’s important to stay up to date with the forecast as further details emerge in the coming days."

The warning for Northern Ireland is in place for all of Friday, and comes with the advisory that power cuts are likely to occur. It is also likely to affect road, rail, air and ferry services.

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The Met Office said there is a chance there could be some damage to buildings and power lines may come down. It added: "Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown on to sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."

You can track Storm Éowyn live below:

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson added: "The wet and windy weather brought about by Storm Éowyn will make driving much more of a challenge towards the end of this week, especially for those in the west of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Strong winds mean there’s a higher likelihood of fallen branches and trees on rural routes between motorways and A-roads, which can obstruct journeys and puncture tyres if not carefully avoided.

"Drivers also need to be well aware of the buffeting effect of sudden gusts, especially along coastlines and exposed areas where the worst weather is expected. High-sided vehicles are most at risk of being blown off course, but cars can also be affected as they pass lorries on the motorway and are then hit by the wind on the other side.

"It’s best to keep speeds low and have a firm grip on the wheel to avoid being caught off-guard, especially in areas where heavy rain will affect visibility."

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