The passage of Storm Eowyn on Friday caused major disruptions to energy infrastructure across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. According to the UK Met Office, it is “probably the strongest storm in at least ten years” to hit the country. With record-breaking wind speeds in Ireland, the storm caused school closures, grounded flights, and tragically led to one fatality.
Currently, energy providers are focusing on restoring power. In Ireland, ESB Networks has already reconnected 366,000 households, businesses, and farms, but 402,000 are still without electricity. In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks reports that 140,000 households remain in the dark. In Scotland, the government stated that 35,000 households were still without power as of Saturday night.
Infrastructures Under Strain
The damage caused by Storm Eowyn has heavily impacted key transport and infrastructure sectors. Roads remain littered with debris, and delays are affecting rail, air, and ferry services. These economic disruptions could worsen with the arrival of Storm Herminia, expected in the coming days. The UK and Irish Met Offices have issued fresh alerts for snow, ice, high winds, and heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday.
Coordinated Efforts and Logistical Challenges
Given the scale of the damage, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has initiated discussions with Scottish and Northern Irish leaders to plan swift and tailored support. Repair crews are working tirelessly, although progress is hindered by challenging weather conditions.
In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has urged residents to prepare for “further disruptions” and emphasized the need for vigilance. The hardest-hit areas may face prolonged power outages, exacerbating the impact on households and local economic activities.
