Storm Éowyn was a powerful extratropical cyclone that struck the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands on January 24, 2025, bringing hurricane-force gusts of up to 114 mph (183 km/h). Named by the Met Office on January 21, 2025, it was the fifth named storm of the 2024/25 season and is recorded as one of the most significant windstorms to hit the British Isles in over a decade. The storm underwent “explosive cyclogenesis” (often called a weather bomb), causing widespread “danger to life” Red Weather Warnings, grounding over 1,000 flights, and leaving more than one million homes without power across the region.
On January 24, 2025, the British Isles were battered by Storm Éowyn, a weather event that meteorologists and locals alike described as “once in a generation.” While the 2026 storm season brings its own challenges with names like Storm Chandra, Éowyn remains a benchmark for severity due to its rapid intensification and devastating wind speeds. This comprehensive guide details the meteorological history, the scale of the destruction, and the lessons learned for future storm preparedness.
Meteorological History and Formation
Storm Éowyn was a textbook example of explosive cyclogenesis, a phenomenon where a low-pressure system deepens by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.
- Formation: The system originated off the coast of North America, fueled by a powerful jet stream energized by a severe cold snap in the United States. The temperature contrast between the freezing continental air and the warmer Atlantic ocean created a “supercharged” jet stream reaching speeds of over 200 mph in the upper atmosphere.
- The “Weather Bomb”: As the depression crossed the Atlantic, its central pressure plummeted by 50hPa in 24 hours—more than double the criteria for a “weather bomb.” By the time it approached the Irish coast, the central pressure had dropped to a dangerous 941hPa.
- The Sting Jet: Analysis suggests Éowyn developed a “sting jet”—a core of highly destructive winds descending from the cloud head into the frontal fracture region. This rare feature is responsible for the localized, extreme gusts (over 100mph) that caused the most severe structural damage in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Timeline of Impact: January 2025
The storm’s arrival was well-forecast, yet the intensity took many by surprise.
- January 21, 2025: The UK Met Office officially names the low-pressure system Storm Éowyn (following Darragh).
- January 23, 2025: Amber warnings are upgraded to rare Red Warnings for wind across Northern Ireland, central Scotland, and parts of the Republic of Ireland. This “Danger to Life” alert triggered school closures and travel bans.
- January 24, 2025 (Morning): The storm makes landfall. Mace Head in County Galway records a gust of 183 km/h (114 mph), a new record for the station.
- January 24, 2025 (Afternoon): The storm tracks northeast. A gust of 100 mph is recorded at Drumalbin, Lanarkshire. The entire rail network in Scotland is suspended.
- January 25, 2025: Winds subside, revealing the scale of damage. Recovery efforts begin for the 1 million properties left without power.
Areas Affected and Damage Report
The footprint of Storm Éowyn was vast, but specific regions bore the brunt of the devastation.
Ireland and Northern Ireland
The Republic of Ireland experienced its strongest winds since 1945.
- Power Cuts: ESB Networks reported unprecedented outages, with over 725,000 premises losing power. In Northern Ireland, a further 280,000 homes were cut off.
- Structural Damage: In County Mayo, a €3 million indoor sports dome was ripped from its foundations. In Donegal, falling trees caused fatal accidents, contributing to the storm’s death toll.
Scotland and The Central Belt
Scotland issued a Red Warning for the Central Belt, a rare occurrence reserved for only the most severe threats.
- Transport Paralysis: ScotRail suspended all services for 24 hours. The M9 motorway and A1 were closed due to overturned lorries.
- Coastal Flooding: Huge waves battered the west coast. A weather station on Tiree recorded the lowest pressure in the UK since 2015, exacerbating storm surges.
- Forestry: The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh lost 15 heritage trees, with dozens more damaged, altering the landscape of the historic site.
England and Wales
While escaping the Red Warning zone, England and Wales still faced Amber and Yellow warnings.
- Air Travel: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester airports cancelled over 1,000 flights combined due to crosswinds.
- Flooding: Heavy rain accompanying the wind caused localized flooding in the Lake District and Pennines.
Practical Information: Storm Preparedness in 2026
If you are visiting the UK or Ireland during the storm season (September to March), understanding the warning systems is vital. Storm Éowyn taught travelers valuable lessons about flexibility and safety.
Understanding Weather Warnings
- Yellow Warning: Be aware. Some travel delays are likely.
- Amber Warning: Be prepared. Rail and road closures are probable; power cuts may occur. Consider changing travel plans.
- Red Warning: Take action. Danger to life from flying debris. Do not travel. Stay indoors.
Visitor Tips for Stormy Weather
- Transport: In high winds, rail services are often the first to be cancelled due to trees on the line. Check National Rail or ScotRail apps before heading to the station.
- Accommodation: If a Red Warning is issued, hotels may extend stays for stranded guests. Do not attempt to drive to a new location during the peak of a storm.
- Power Packs: Carry a high-capacity portable charger. During Éowyn, rural communities were without power for up to 5 days. Keeping your phone charged is essential for emergency updates.
Comparison: Éowyn vs. Other Historic Storms
| Feature | Storm Éowyn (2025) | Storm Arwen (2021) | Great Storm (1987) |
| Max Gust | 114 mph (Ireland) | 98 mph (Northumberland) | 115 mph (Sussex) |
| Warnings | Red (Wind) | Red (Wind) | No Red Warning (famously) |
| Power Outages | ~1 Million | ~1 Million | Millions |
| Key Feature | Explosive Cyclogenesis | Northerly Wind Direction | Sting Jet |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Storm Éowyn? Storm Éowyn struck on January 24, 2025. It was the fifth named storm of the 2024/25 season.
Why was it named Éowyn? The name was chosen by the UK Met Office, Met Éireann, and KNMI (Netherlands). It is a reference to the fictional character Éowyn from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, reflecting a trend of using popular culture names suggested by the public.
Was Storm Éowyn a hurricane? No. While it produced hurricane-force winds (over 74 mph), it was an extratropical cyclone, not a tropical hurricane. Hurricanes form over warm tropical waters, whereas Éowyn formed in the cold North Atlantic.
What is the current storm now in 2026? As of late January/February 2026, the active storms include Storm Chandra(named by the UK/Ireland group) and Storm Kristin (impacting Spain/Portugal). The 2025/26 list includes names like Amy, Bram, Chandra, and Dave.
How fast were the winds in Storm Éowyn? The highest confirmed gust was 114 mph (183 km/h) at Mace Head, County Galway. In the UK, gusts reached 100 mph in Lanarkshire.
Did anyone die in Storm Éowyn? Yes, tragically, fatalities were reported in both Ireland and Scotland, primarily due to falling trees and road accidents caused by the severe conditions.
What is a “Sting Jet”? A sting jet is a narrow core of very strong winds that can form inside a storm. It descends from the cloud head, evaporating as it falls, which makes the air denser and faster. It causes a “sting” of extreme damage over a small area, as seen during Storm Éowyn and the Great Storm of 1987.
Can I claim compensation for storm power cuts? In the UK, if your power is off for more than 48 hours during a storm (Category 2 severe weather), you are typically entitled to compensation (£80, plus £40 for every further 6 hours). This must be claimed from your network operator (e.g., SSEN, SP Energy Networks), not your bill provider.
What does a Red Weather Warning mean? A Red Warning is the highest level of alert issued by the Met Office. It means widespread damage, travel disruption, and a risk to life are likely. You should avoid all non-essential travel and follow advice from emergency services.
Is it safe to fly during a storm like Éowyn? Generally, no. During Storm Éowyn, over 1,000 flights were cancelled.While planes can handle strong winds, crosswinds at airports make taking off and landing dangerous, leading to mass cancellations.
Is “Storm Eowyn” a real storm name or fiction? It is a real storm name used in January 2025. Do not confuse it with the character from Lord of the Rings, although the character inspired the name.
What should I do if my roof is damaged in a storm? Do not attempt to repair it during the storm. Wait for the Red/Amber warning to pass. Take photos for insurance immediately, and contact a professional roofer. Most insurance policies cover storm damage, but “wear and tear” is often excluded.
Storm Éowyn brings 100mph gusts as one million without power across UK and Ireland Storm Éowyn brings 100mph gusts
This video from BBC News provides contemporary footage and reporting from January 2025, illustrating the sheer scale of the winds and disruption caused by Storm Éowyn at its peak.
