Storm Aiden brings high waves and heavy rains to UK and Ireland

Storm Aiden hit the UK and Ireland on Saturday, October 31, 2020, bringing high waves, strong winds, and heavy downpours. As a result of the severe weather, seacrafts capsized or broke down, prompting the rescue of several people on board. Up to 8 000 homes and businesses were also left without power in Northern Ireland.

High winds brought by the storm cut power to 8 000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland, with the northwest region as the worst hit.

A spokesman for ESB Networks told The Irish Times that the Gweedore and Donegal areas accounted for much of the disruptions, with 2 332 and 2 022 customers affected, respectively.

Several disruptions were also reported in Longford, Galway, Clare, Wicklow, and Mayo, among many others.

In Scotland, four people on board a vessel were rescued after the ship broke down amid the storm's onslaught. A lifeboat from Oban towed the boat to safety as winds gusted at 96 km/h (60 mph).

Elsewhere, a shipping alert was issued after 33 containers were lost overboard in the Pentland Firth.

On Sunday, November 1, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had 22 flood warnings in place, while the Met Office had a weather warning for high winds in the Western Isles.

Many ferries were canceled, while train services in Glasgow were suspended. The A83 Rest and Be Thankful was closed after heavy rains. 

"Safety has to come first and as ever we thank the local community and road users for their patience while we address the situation at the Rest," said Eddie Ross of Bear Scotland. 

A yellow weather warning remains in place on Monday, November 2. According to the Met Office, a "continued mixture of sunshine and showers, blown along by a brisk, cold breeze," is forecast on Tuesday, November 3.

Parts of England "will probably see an interlude of wet, cold weather in the morning."

On Thursday, November 5, there will be outbreaks of rain across western Scotland.

Meanwhile, Met Eireann forecasts scattered showers for Ireland on Tuesday, November 3. "The showers will become mostly confined to the western half of the country during the evening."

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