Storm Eowyn, labelled a “threat to life” weather bomb by the Met Office, is set to hit the UK, bringing strong winds across the country on Friday and into Saturday. The Met Office has warned that the winds, resulting from low pressure, could cause disruption, including damage to buildings, power cuts, and flying debris that poses a threat to lives. Travel is also expected to be affected, with road, rail, airports, and ferries likely to face disruptions due to the storm. Gusts exceeding 80mph could lead to power outages, travel disturbances, and structural damage, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow wind warning.
According to the Met Office, a “weather bomb” occurs when the central pressure within a larger low-pressure system drops rapidly over 24 hours, resulting in violent winds capable of toppling trees and causing structural damage. The yellow wind warning spans from midnight on Friday to midday on Saturday and encompasses Northern Ireland and the western part of Scotland, including Glasgow. Strong south-easterly to south-westerly winds are anticipated, with gusts reaching 50 to 60mph inland and 70 to 80mph along coastal areas. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Chris Almond, stated, “A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday.”
The onset of the storm is attributed to a powerful jet stream pushing the low pressure from the Atlantic towards the UK following a cold spell in North America. Thursday will see heavy rain moving eastward, with North Wales and north-west England expecting 20 to 30mm of rainfall and the possibility of hill snow in the Scottish mountains. The development of the “weather bomb” while still over the Atlantic on Thursday will result in a mature feature by the time it reaches the UK on Friday. The Met Office has recommended securing loose outdoor items, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, and sheds, and preparing torches and batteries in case of power cuts.
The Met Office has cautioned that another area of low pressure may bring additional wet and windy conditions post the weakening of the preceding system on Sunday. There is a likelihood of a named storm or further weather warnings over the weekend and into the following week. The forecast may undergo refinements throughout the week, and the public is advised to stay updated on local forecasts and Met Office warnings to stay informed and prepared for the impending weather events. The incoming storm and potential subsequent weather disturbances highlight the need for precaution and readiness to mitigate any adverse impacts on communities and individuals in the affected areas.
With Storm Eowyn looming, authorities are bracing for the potential disruptions and damages it may bring, urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions. The impacts of such extreme weather events underscore the importance of early warnings and preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of the population. As the Met Office continues to monitor the storm’s progression, residents are advised to stay vigilant and heed official advice to minimise risks and effectively respond to the challenges posed by Storm Eowyn and any subsequent weather-related threats.