‘Most Intense Storms in Decades’: UK and Ireland Brace for Life-Threatening Winds

The U.K. and Ireland are preparing for the arrival of Storm Éowyn, one of the most severe storms in recent decades. Forecasters have issued rare red warnings for wind, indicating a “danger to life” as gusts are expected to reach up to 100 mph (161 kph). The storm is set to make landfall on Ireland’s west coast early Friday before sweeping northeast to Scotland and affecting much of the U.K.

Ireland’s Met Éireann has issued a nationwide red alert for wind, its highest-level warning, from 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Officials warn of extremely hazardous travel conditions, possible coastal flooding in vulnerable areas, and severe risks to safety. Simon Harris, currently serving as Irish premier, emphasized the seriousness of the storm, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid travel.

The U.K.’s Met Office has also declared red warnings for parts of Northern Ireland, central Scotland, and southwestern Scotland on Friday. This is the first red weather warning issued for Northern Ireland since the Met Office adopted its impact-based warning system in 2011. Northern Ireland schools have been advised to close, and the warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Scotland’s red alert will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen warned that exposed coastal areas could see gusts exceeding 100 mph, while winds of 80-90 mph are likely elsewhere. He cautioned that even areas outside red warning zones will experience disruptive weather, including power outages and travel delays.

All regions of the U.K., including England and Wales, are under some form of weather alert for Friday. The storm’s widespread impact is expected to cause significant disruption throughout the day, with authorities urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Dr. Ambrogio Volonté, a senior meteorology researcher at the University of Reading, noted that Storm Éowyn’s structure and intensity rank it among the most formidable storms in decades.

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