Storm Éowyn Causes Chaos in Wales
As Storm Éowyn wreaks havoc across Wales, weather warnings and alerts have been issued due to heavy rain and high winds. The storm has already led to flood alerts, poor driving conditions, and school closures in various parts of the country. Ireland’s Met Eireann recorded gusts of up to 80mph off its west coast in the early hours of Friday. More than 30 schools, primarily in Anglesey and Gwynedd, have shut down for the day amid safety concerns.
Natural Resources Wales issued 10 flood alerts overnight for areas mainly in the south and west of Wales, including rivers like Ebbw, Sirhowy, and Lwyd. The M48 Severn Crossing and Cleddau Bridge in Pembrokeshire have been closed due to the high winds. Meanwhile, schools in other parts of the UK have also been shut, and travel warnings have been issued as winds of up to 100mph pose a danger to life.
Transport for Wales and Network Rail are advising customers to check for disruptions, altered services, and speed restrictions due to the storm. ScotRail suspended all services in Scotland, and airports like Glasgow and Edinburgh are operating at limited capacity. Cardiff Airport has warned passengers to expect flight disruptions. The Police Service of Northern Ireland described Storm Éowyn as an “exceptional weather event,” with red and amber weather warnings in place.
In Wales, the heavy rain is expected to persist throughout the day, with the Met Office forecasting bright spells later on. The strongest winds are predicted in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, where gusts could reach up to 100mph. Emergency alerts were sent to 4.5 million people via their phones, marking the largest real-life use of the tool to date. Additional weather warnings have been issued for the weekend.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen emphasised the severity of the storm, noting the potential dangers it poses. While the impact of Storm Éowyn is significant, authorities are taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety. The weather conditions are expected to gradually improve as the storm passes.
As Wales battles against the force of Storm Éowyn, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The resilience and preparedness of communities will be crucial in navigating through the challenges brought by the storm. Stay updated on the latest weather alerts and guidance from relevant authorities to stay safe during this period of inclement weather.