A Rainfall Warning has been issued for parts of Wales, southern England, and the Midlands, where up to 80mm of rain is expected this weekend.
A powerful storm, named Éowyn, has wreaked havoc across the UK and Ireland, leaving nearly a million homes and businesses without power and causing significant disruptions to daily life. With ferocious winds and relentless rain, the storm has created hazardous conditions, grounding travel and testing emergency response teams.
In Ireland, a man sadly died when a tree fell on a car. Scotland and Northern Ireland also faced heavy property damage, along with delays and cancellations to trains, flights, and ferries.
Although the worst winds are over, strong gusts are still expected. Parts of England and Wales could also see up to 80mm of rain this weekend.
Power Outages and Damage
The storm’s impact has been most strongly felt in rural and coastal areas, where gale-force winds uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and tore through buildings. Reports suggest that almost a million properties were left without electricity, forcing many residents to face cold temperatures and darkness overnight. Power companies have deployed emergency crews, but repairs in severely affected areas could take several days.
Travel Chaos
Transport networks have also been heavily impacted. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and debris, creating gridlocks and frustrating travellers. Several train services have been suspended due to safety concerns, while flights in and out of airports faced delays and cancellations. Ferry crossings were also halted in parts of the Irish Sea due to dangerous conditions. Commuters have been advised to postpone travel where possible and stay updated through official advisories.
Emergency Services Respond
Local authorities and emergency teams have been working around the clock to clear debris, restore services, and assist affected residents. In several towns, community centres have opened their doors as emergency shelters for those without power or facing flooding risks. Meanwhile, weather warnings remain in place, with meteorologists forecasting further heavy rains and strong winds in some regions over the coming days.
Public Advised to Stay Safe
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as cleanup efforts continue. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose items around their homes, and check on vulnerable neighbours. The storm serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the need for preparedness.
While the worst of Storm Éowyn is believed to have passed, its impact will likely linger as communities come together to recover and rebuild.
Seven weather warnings are still in place across the UK:
- Amber wind warning: Parts of Scotland from Friday 1 PM to Saturday 6 AM.
- Yellow wind warning: Most of Scotland from midnight Friday to Saturday 3 PM.
- Yellow snow and ice warning: Much of Scotland from midnight Friday to Saturday 11 AM.
- Yellow snow and ice warning: Northern Ireland from Friday 7 PM to Saturday 10 AM.
- Yellow ice warning: Midlands, east and southeast England, and Wales from Saturday 3 AM to 10 AM.
- Yellow wind warning: southeast and west England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and southwest Scotland from Sunday 8 AM to 3 PM.
- Yellow rain warning: Wales, southern England, and the Midlands from Sunday 8 AM to Monday 6 AM.
