One of Strongest Storms on Record Approaches Ireland and UK

Storm Eowyn, one of the strongest storms on record, is approaching the coast of Ireland and the UK from the Atlantic. This was reported by The Irish Times and BBC.

In particular, large-scale destruction, damage to buildings and very high wind speeds are expected throughout Ireland.

‘This is going to be a rare event, the most extreme storm Ireland has ever faced,’ warned Keith Leonard, chairman of the National Emergency Coordination Group.

The Irish Meteorological Service has issued a nationwide ‘red’ weather warning for Friday, which will come into effect early in the morning in most counties.

On Friday, educational institutions will be closed across the country. The Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged people to ‘avoid all travel’ on Friday.

Forecaster Elizabeth Coleman warned that of particular concern is the fact that strong winds will hit the island on Friday morning as people head to work.

‘Stay home, there is no need to go out,’ she said, and advised people to use Thursday to protect their property.

‘The wind speeds we are expecting are the most extreme we have ever seen,’ Coleman added.

According to the BBC, wind gusts in Britain on Friday could reach 160 kilometres per hour. Millions of people were asked to stay at home, and all schools in Northern Ireland were recommended to be closed.

The British Met Office has warned people to expect damage to buildings, torn off roofs and significant traffic disruption.

It is expected to be the storm of the century for Ireland. In the UK, the Met Office is warning that there is a high likelihood of life-threatening damage and people should avoid travelling where possible. A red level is the most serious warning the Met Office can issue, meaning that dangerous weather is expected and people are urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.

A red warning will also be in place for central Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Friday.

A large number of trees are likely to fall, causing significant travel disruption, roads will be severely damaged and flights, trains and ferries will be cancelled.

Power outages are also likely, some of which could last for several days.

Belfast City Airport (Northern Ireland) warned of possible flight cancellations.

Rail operators issued a warning against travelling to the north of England and north Wales on Friday.