Storm Eowyn named, Ireland and UK prepare for ‘weather bomb’
Storm Eowyn was named by the UK Met Office on January 21, 2025, as the fifth storm of the 2024/25 European storm season. The storm is forecast to intensify rapidly, bringing winds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph) and causing significant disruptions as it moves across Ireland and the UK from Thursday, January 23, into the weekend.
Image credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers. Acquired at 12:00 UTC on January 21, 2025
Storm Eowyn (pronounced ay-oh-win) is forecast to make landfall in Ireland on Thursday, January 23, before moving into the UK on Friday, January 24. Coastal areas could experience winds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph), while inland regions may see winds reaching 100 km/h (60 mph).
The storm is expected to cause disruptions, including damage to buildings, power outages, and flying debris that may pose a risk to life. Snow is likely along the leading edge of the system, particularly in Northern Ireland, northern England, and Scotland.
Eowyn is expected to track across Ireland on Thursday night and Friday, bringing very strong to gale-force winds, with the potential for damaging gusts and disruptions, according to Ireland’s national meteorological service, Met Éireann.
“Transitory falls of sleet and snow are also expected, especially across western and northwestern counties. High seas and spells of heavy rain are likely.”
Met Éireann continues to monitor the evolving situation, and weather warnings will be issued as confidence in the storm’s track and intensity improves.
UK Met Office forecasters warn of a major shift in weather patterns starting Thursday, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastward through the day.
“The highest rainfall accumulations are expected in western parts of Scotland, England, and Wales, where 20 – 30 mm (0.8 – 1.2 inches) could fall in some areas. Snow is also likely over high ground in the northern half of the country, particularly in the Scottish mountains,” the UK Met Office said.
The shift in weather conditions in this part of the world is caused by a powerful jet stream driving the low-pressure system across the Atlantic toward the UK, following a recent cold spell in North America.
The Met Office advised the public to prepare for a “weather bomb” and to secure loose items outside their homes to prevent injury or property damage.
It also recommended checking road conditions before driving, remaining flexible with travel plans, and preparing for potential power outages by gathering essential supplies such as torches, batteries, and mobile phone power banks.
“Storm Éowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said.
“The strongest gusts are expected in parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern Wales, and western Scotland, where exposed areas could see winds exceeding 130 km/h (80 mph), potentially causing significant impacts. Heavy rain will also bring difficult conditions to end the week.”
“The initial warning for Storm Éowyn has been issued well in advance, so it’s important to stay updated on the forecast as further details emerge,” Silverstone said.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson advised motorists to take extra precautions, particularly in western England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. “Strong winds increase the risk of fallen branches and debris on roads, which could obstruct routes and damage vehicles,” Simpson said.
“Drivers should be mindful of sudden gusts, especially along coastal and exposed areas. High-sided vehicles are most at risk of being blown off course, but all drivers should be cautious, particularly when overtaking lorries on motorways. Keeping speeds low and maintaining a firm grip on the wheel can help avoid being caught off-guard, especially in areas where heavy rain reduces visibility.”
References:
1 Storm Éowyn named as strong winds, heavy rain and snow forecast – UK Met Office – January 21, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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