The highest level red warning has been issued for disruptive winds in Northern Ireland tomorrow (Friday). The upgraded warning means that the entire island of Ireland is now under the most extreme level of weather warning.
Northern Ireland’s red warning will be in effect from 7.00 am tomorrow until 2.00 pm. A lower level amber warning will extend until 9.00 pm.
The Met Office says a red weather warning means dangerous conditions with widespread disruption.
It advises people to expect:
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
- Very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
Storm Éowyn is the fifth named storm of the winter season, and follows Storm Darragh which hit on 5 December.
Winds are expected to rapidly increase on Friday morning with peak gusts of 80-90 mph (130-145 km/h) and possibly up to 100mph along some exposed coasts.
The strongest gust ever recorded in Northern Ireland was 124mph in Kilkeel in County Down on 12 January 1974.
The Met Office has advised people to stay indoors and avoid travelling by road.
Public transport operators have yet to issue any updates but ferry services to an from Scotland and England looks likely to be disrupted for a number of hours, along with some bus services.