Millions across the UK have been urged to stay indoors today (24 January) as Storm Éowyn sweeps in, bringing ferocious winds and widespread disruption, particularly to the north and west of the country.

Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland are bracing for the worst, with the Met Office issuing rare red weather warnings. Winds are expected to reach a staggering 100mph, posing a serious threat to life.
Schools and Transport Halted
In anticipation of the storm’s severity, schools across Northern Ireland and much of central Scotland will remain closed on Friday. Travel is expected to grind to a halt, with bus and train services suspended, and significant disruption already reported.
Northern Ireland’s red warning will take effect from 07:00 to 14:00 GMT, coinciding with the morning rush hour. Belfast International Airport has cautioned passengers about flight cancellations, while supermarket giant Tesco has announced the closure of all its stores in the region on Friday, cancelling home deliveries as well.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland described Storm Éowyn as an “exceptional weather event,” warning it could bring the strongest winds the region has seen since 1998.
Ireland Faces Hurricane-Force Winds
In the Irish Republic, weather service Met Éireann has also issued red warnings, with fears of “hurricane-force winds.” BBC Weather has dubbed it potentially Ireland’s storm of the century. Ferry operators, including Irish Ferries, Stena Line, and CalMac, have already cancelled numerous crossings, citing dangerous conditions in the Irish Sea and around the west of Scotland.
Central Scotland Prepares for Chaos
The storm will shift eastward throughout Friday morning, with a red warning in place for Scotland’s central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00 to 17:00. Both cities’ airports are limiting operations, with almost all flights scheduled for Friday morning and afternoon already cancelled as of 03:00 GMT.
ScotRail has taken the extraordinary step of suspending all train services across Scotland on Friday to protect passengers and staff. Train operators across northern England and Wales, including Avanti, LNER, and TransPennine Express, have similarly advised against travelling.
Road Closures and Power Outages Expected
As winds accelerate from west to east throughout the day, gusts of 80-90mph (129-145km/h) are expected to cause widespread chaos. Motorists are being warned of treacherous conditions, with National Highways closing key routes like the A66 between North Yorkshire and Cumbria and the A628 between Flouch and Hollingworth. Bridges, including the M48 Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire, will also be closed to traffic.
The AA is urging drivers in red warning areas to reconsider travel plans, stressing that postponing journeys could save lives.
Power cuts are likely, with some outages expected to last for days, and countless trees are predicted to fall, causing further disruption to roads and railways.
Unprecedented Conditions
Storm Éowyn is shaping up to be one of the most severe weather events in recent history, with communities across the UK preparing for its impact. The Met Office is urging everyone to take precautions, with its red warning serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers ahead.
Stay safe, stay informed, and follow advice to minimise risk during this exceptional weather event.
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