Dublin: Storm Éowyn, the most powerful Atlantic storm to strike Ireland in decades, has left a trail of destruction across the country, with repair and insurance costs poised to exceed €250 million. The unprecedented storm caused widespread power outages, extensive property damage, and significant disruption to daily life, making it Ireland's costliest weather event in history.
Packing devastating gusts of up to 183 km/h, the storm surpassed the fury of Hurricane Debbie in 1961, which previously held the record as the most severe storm in modern Irish history. Tragically, one life was lost—a driver in Donegal was killed early yesterday when a tree fell on his car. Officials commended the public for adhering to Met Éireann’s Status Red warning, noting that the timing of the storm, which peaked between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. while most people were indoors, helped avoid greater loss of life.
Widespread Power and Water Outages
Approximately one million properties across Ireland were left without power, with over 725,000 homes and businesses affected in the Republic of Ireland alone. Northern Ireland experienced its first-ever all-island Status Red alert, leaving 250,000 more without electricity. Water supplies were also disrupted for 150,000 households.
ESB Networks described the storm’s impact on the national grid as "unprecedented," initiating the largest repair operation in its history. While 143,000 properties regained power by yesterday afternoon, over 625,000 remained without electricity by evening. Full restoration could take up to a week, with international repair crews expected to assist.
Devastation Across the Country
The storm felled nearly 1,000 trees nationwide, damaging critical infrastructure, homes, businesses, and community facilities. Connacht GAA’s iconic €3.5 million Air Dome, unveiled in 2020, was among the structures destroyed. In Dublin, a 19-year-old narrowly escaped injury when high winds overturned his caravan, while in Meath, structural engineers are assessing a house damaged by a fallen tree.
Despite the massive storm surge, coastal towns and villages were spared major flooding. However, the Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland have urged extreme caution near exposed coastal areas, rivers, and lakes due to lingering hazardous conditions.
Transportation Chaos
Storm Éowyn caused severe travel disruption, with Dublin Airport alone canceling 90 flights. Operations at Cork, Shannon, Kerry, and Ireland West airports were also suspended. One in five flights from Irish and UK airports were canceled or delayed, while ferry sailings were rescheduled until the storm subsided. Airlines, including Ryanair and Aer Lingus, are working to restore normal schedules, but delays are expected for routes to Scotland and northern England as the storm moves towards the North Sea.
Government Response and Recovery Efforts
Tánaiste Simon Harris vowed to deploy all state resources to aid recovery efforts. "I want to thank the Defence Forces and emergency services for their swift response. It is critical to continue heeding advice and staying safe," he said.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) praised the public for reducing pressure on emergency services through strict compliance with safety warnings. Health officials also lauded medical staff who stayed overnight at hospitals to ensure continuity of care.
Meanwhile, cleanup operations have begun but face challenges from continued unsettled weather. Snow, ice, and heavy rain are forecast over the weekend, with thunderstorms expected on Monday, potentially delaying repairs.
Storm Éowyn’s ferocity has left Ireland grappling with its aftermath, but as the recovery phase begins, officials remain focused on rebuilding and ensuring public safety.
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