Storm Éowyn has left destruction in its wake after battering Northern Ireland with winds in excess of 100 mph.
As the red weather warning came to an end at 2pm on Friday, there were damaged homes and buildings right across the province, with felled trees still blocking many roads.
Northern Ireland Electricity says 283,000 customers are now without power, and this number is expected to rise as there is an amber weather warning for wind in place until 9pm.
The highest recorded speed winds were in Belfast Harbour at a record-breaking 102.6 mph, while in Co Down the village of Killowen recorded speeds of 92.2 mph.
In the Republic of Ireland, wind speeds reached 114 mph, the fastest since records began, Irish forecaster Met Eireann said.
Translink has confirmed it has cancelled all rail services for the rest of the day, and has warned of further disruption.
This morning the Met Office has also issued another weather warning for snow and ice.
The forecaster warned that icy stretches and some snow showers will result in some hazardous driving conditions. The alert is from 7pm this evening to 10am tomorrow.
Read more
Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here:
Key updates
Recording breaking gusts of 102mph recorded in NI
More than 283,000 customers without power in NI, after storm causes ‘significant damage to electricity network’
Translink cancels all rail services for the rest of the day, warning of further disruption
Around 240,000 customers without power in NI but number expected to rise
House in north Belfast partially collapses
Windows of office blown in
Flying roof tile narrowly misses man securing trampoline in west Belfast
Weather warning for snow and ice issued
Storm Éowyn causes devastation across Northern Ireland
Majority of Spars in Northern Ireland reopening
“Thanks for bearing with us, and we hope everyone has stayed safe during Storm Éowyn.
“We’re happy to share that a majority of our SPAR stores have reopened now that the Red Alert weather warning has ended.
“Some stores remain closed while we complete minor repairs. We advise you check your local store social media accounts for the most up to date information.”
First Minister pays tribute to ‘extraordinary courage and dedication’ of emergency services and frontline staff
Stormont’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has paid tribute to the emergency services and frontline staff involving in responding to the storm.
Ms O’Neill described those who responded to the storm as “the backbone of our response”.
“From caring for the vulnerable in hospitals, homes, and communities, to working tirelessly in treacherous conditions to restore power, unblock roads, and protect lives, your ongoing efforts are vital.
“You are the backbone of our response, and on behalf of everyone across our society, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for everything you are doing during this very difficult time.
“This is an extremely rare and challenging situation, and I want to assure you all that the Executive and our frontline services are continuing to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our communities.
“We have now moved to an amber warning, and I encourage everyone to continue exercising caution and following official advice.”
Ms O’Neill described those who responded to the storm as “the backbone of our response”.
“From caring for the vulnerable in hospitals, homes, and communities, to working tirelessly in treacherous conditions to restore power, unblock roads, and protect lives, your ongoing efforts are vital.
“You are the backbone of our response, and on behalf of everyone across our society, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for everything you are doing during this very difficult time.
“This is an extremely rare and challenging situation, and I want to assure you all that the Executive and our frontline services are continuing to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our communities.
“We have now moved to an amber warning, and I encourage everyone to continue exercising caution and following official advice.”
Department for Infrastructure confirm staff dealt with over 1,800 road obstructions
The Department for Infrastructure confirmed their staff dealt with more than 1,800 obstructions on the road network across Northern Ireland since midnight as a result of the storm.
They confirmed since midnight there were more than 1,827 obstructions on the road network involving trees and debris reported to the department and these included 873 on motorways other roads.
They confirmed since midnight there were more than 1,827 obstructions on the road network involving trees and debris reported to the department and these included 873 on motorways other roads.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt: We owe a debt of gratitude to staff
“There are no words that can properly describe the debt of gratitude we owe to emergency services and the entire health and social care workforce.
“While we have been at home and following advice to stay safe, they have been dealing with call-outs and caring for people in hospitals, other facilities, and in the community. My heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one of them.
“Good contingency planning by our Health and Social Care Trusts and our Primary and Community care partners, alongside excellent multi-agency working, has enabled the health system to rise to the challenge presented by the severe storm.
“Some parts of hospitals and other facilities have had to rely on generators and it has been necessary to clear fallen trees and debris to enable staff to get into healthcare sites. Right across the HSC, teams are working at pace to ensure that patients and service users receive the care they need.
“I also want to thank the community for following the public safety advice during Storm Éowyn. The red alert posed a significant challenge to emergency services and to our society. Public cooperation is absolutely vital and very much appreciated.
“I would also like to reassure people whose scheduled appointments and planned procedures have been postponed that Trust staff are working hard to reschedule as soon as possible. And I would ask the public to be patient as some services may continue to experience some disruption over the next few days.”
Justice Minister commends staff and front-line workers
Naomi Long said: “My sincere thanks go to all those who have put themselves at risk to ensure others are safe. The advice today was to stay home and stay safe if possible and yet staff and front-line workers across the Justice system including the NI Prison Service and the PSNI as response lead, continued to battle the elements to ensure the safety of others.
“I commend the PSNI for their leadership and coordination of the response to Storm Éowyn and praise all staff whose jobs cannot be done from home including those from the NI Prison service.
“There have been many challenges as a result of the storm, and it will take some days to establish the true impact on our estates. An assessment of all our buildings will now be carried out and it is anticipated that normal service may resume from Monday, including the reopening of courts.”
Police confirm they have received 2,000 calls over storm
During a media briefing the PSNI are holding this evening after the worst of Storm Eowyn, Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck confirmed police had dealt with 2,000 calls throughout the day from members of the public. They also confirmed this represents 50% more calls than they would normally deal with on a typical Friday.
NI yacht club ‘full of glass and water’ as they cancel charity swim
Portrush Yacht Club has revealed Storm Eowyn has left the bar area of the venue “full of both glass and water”. They also confirmed a charity swim in aid of Portrush RNLI which was scheduled for tomorrow has also been cancelled.
In a post they said: “PYC has taken the difficult decision to postpone tomorrow’s PYC’s Skerries Swimmers SOS Swim.
“Unfortunately, the Bay Bar area of Portrush Yacht Club is full of both glass and water. We are continuing to work hard to secure this area and will then assess any further damage.
“The stormy conditions are also likely to have caused damage to the Harbour area and pontoon as well. We’ll aim to reschedule where possible.”
In a post they said: “PYC has taken the difficult decision to postpone tomorrow’s PYC’s Skerries Swimmers SOS Swim.
“Unfortunately, the Bay Bar area of Portrush Yacht Club is full of both glass and water. We are continuing to work hard to secure this area and will then assess any further damage.
“The stormy conditions are also likely to have caused damage to the Harbour area and pontoon as well. We’ll aim to reschedule where possible.”
Satellite dish smashes the window of a Derry apartment
Video footage has emerged of a satellite dish smashing the window of an apartment in Derry.
The incident happened at the apartment building off Duke Street as extremely strong winds blew up the River Foyle.
The incident happened at the apartment building off Duke Street as extremely strong winds blew up the River Foyle.
PSNI brand motorist as ‘totally unacceptable’ after being detected driving at 97mph on M1 during storm
The PSNI have condemned a motorist caught driving on the M1 at 97mph during the storm.
They said the driver was given three penalty points and a £65 fine.
“While storm Éowyn continues to blow gusts of over 100 mph, one driver seemed to be trying to outrun the wind and was detected on the M1 at 97 mph by officers from Mahon Road station.
“Following our earlier posts highlighting the dangers across the roads today with fallen trees, to drive at this speed is totally unacceptable.
“The driver was issued with 3 penalty points and a £65 fine for their actions.”
They said the driver was given three penalty points and a £65 fine.
“While storm Éowyn continues to blow gusts of over 100 mph, one driver seemed to be trying to outrun the wind and was detected on the M1 at 97 mph by officers from Mahon Road station.
“Following our earlier posts highlighting the dangers across the roads today with fallen trees, to drive at this speed is totally unacceptable.
“The driver was issued with 3 penalty points and a £65 fine for their actions.”
Translink issue travel update including when Metro, Glider and Dublin bus services resume
Translink have confirmed Metro and Glider services in Belfast will recommence from 5pm today.
They have also confirmed buses from Belfast to Dublin including Dublin airport and Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport, will all also be restored from 5pm.
Translink’s Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell, said: “Following what has been an exceptional storm, there has been significant damage to the railway network including fallen trees and debris, as well as impacts to level crossings, signalling and other railway infrastructure.
“Specialist teams are now carrying out an assessment of the railway and the removal of fallen trees and debris; and repairs are underway to ensure the gradual safe return of rail services over the weekend.
“Ulsterbus and Foyle Metro services are expected to return on Saturday, although they may be subject to some disruption and diversions due to road closures.”
Recording breaking gusts of 102mph recorded in NI
The highest wind speeds during Storm Eowyn were recorded in the Belfast Harbour port area.
In a post on social media, Belfast Habour said: “Record breaking winds in Port today.
“Thank you to all our teams who prepared for the extreme conditions and kept everyone safe and please continue to be vigilant.”
In a post on social media, Belfast Habour said: “Record breaking winds in Port today.
“Thank you to all our teams who prepared for the extreme conditions and kept everyone safe and please continue to be vigilant.”
An overturned lorry in the docks area of Belfast as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland on January 24th 2025.Kevin Scott
Deputy First Minister thanks emergency workers after Storm Éowyn causes devastation across NI
In a post on X Emma Little Pengelly thanked frontline, emergency and essential workers.
“Risking their own safety during Storm Éowyn to work to support and protect others,” the post read.
“Thank you.”
“Risking their own safety during Storm Éowyn to work to support and protect others,” the post read.
“Thank you.”
More than 283,000 customers without power in NI, after storm causes ‘significant damage to electricity network’
NIE Networks has said that restoration efforts are now underway after the red warning ended.
They confirmed that as of 3:00pm approximately 283,000 customers were without power but said this number may rise as the amber warning remains in place until 9pm tonight.
They confirmed that as of 3:00pm approximately 283,000 customers were without power but said this number may rise as the amber warning remains in place until 9pm tonight.
The public has been advised to stay well clear of any damaged electricity equipment after the storm caused significant damage to the electricity network.
Alex Houston, Network Operations Manager for NIE Networks, advised: “We’re aware of hazards on the network so are urging everyone to stay well clear of any damaged equipment or broken lines and be aware that electricity can jump gaps.
“Where trees have fallen they may have impacted on a power line even if damage isn’t immediately obvious, so please look out for power lines and stay clear.
“Our restoration efforts are now getting underway as the red warning passes and we will be prioritising the hazards and critical infrastructure sites that we know have been impacted. Our ask of the public is to remain vigilant and clear of any electricity lines.”
“Where trees have fallen they may have impacted on a power line even if damage isn’t immediately obvious, so please look out for power lines and stay clear.
“Our restoration efforts are now getting underway as the red warning passes and we will be prioritising the hazards and critical infrastructure sites that we know have been impacted. Our ask of the public is to remain vigilant and clear of any electricity lines.”
Anyone who encounters damage to the network should advise NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643. Customers can also report a power cut online via nienetworks.co.uk
BBC star Holly Hamilton ‘rescued’ from lift
After becoming stranded in a BBC lift earlier in the day, the presenter shared a video on X confirming she had been “rescued”.
“I’m out, I’m free, I’m never getting into that lift again,” she says in the video.
Ms Hamilton, who while trapped in the lift had been enjoying a diet coke, joked that she had expected ‘diet Coke man’ to come to her rescue.
This was a reference to an advert from 2007, which sees a group of women deliberately get trapped in an lift in order to be rescued by an attractive technician.
Ms Hamilton thanked Stephen, the man who came to her rescue, calling him her “hero”.
“I’m out, I’m free, I’m never getting into that lift again,” she says in the video.
Ms Hamilton, who while trapped in the lift had been enjoying a diet coke, joked that she had expected ‘diet Coke man’ to come to her rescue.
This was a reference to an advert from 2007, which sees a group of women deliberately get trapped in an lift in order to be rescued by an attractive technician.
Ms Hamilton thanked Stephen, the man who came to her rescue, calling him her “hero”.
Debris coming off a roof from commercial premises
Due to debris coming off a roof from commercial premises at the Upper Galwally area of Belfast this afternoon.
A police spokesperson said please avoid the area and only travel if strictly necessary.
A police spokesperson said please avoid the area and only travel if strictly necessary.
Nearly one million homes and businesses without power across island of Ireland
Almost one million homes, farms and businesses in the Republic and Northern Ireland are without power as record-breaking wind speeds swept across the island.
Red weather warning ends, but amber warnings remains in place
It has been replaced by an amber warning which will remain in for until 9pm tonight.
A yellow warning for wind will then be in place until midnight.
A yellow snow and ice warning has also been issued for NI. It will begin at 7pm today and will be in force until 10am on Saturday.
Trees fall down in Newtownabbey estate
Multiple trees have fallen down in Rathfern
Belfast church opened overnight to offer shelter to homeless people
Paul McCusker of the People’s Kitchen said St Mary’s Church hall in Belfast was among the places offering shelter to rough sleepers overnight.
Speaking on BBC’s Talkback, he explained that several organisations had been working over the past few days to ensure support was available for those affected.
He also noted that the Housing Executive had activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), opening additional shelter options.
McCusker added that the People’s Kitchen will remain open throughout the day, continuing to provide shelter and support.
With more adverse weather expected, SWEP will also remain in place through the weekend.
Read more
![Bangor Aurora Aquatics & Leisure Complex [Presseye]](https://focus.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/thumbor/CTW7HBLuGJd_ULetVSYlj76F1Tc=/0x0:3238x2158/960x640/prod-mh-ireland/dbc4f54e-155e-47e9-9029-0c11ff85d127/c74def5d-6906-4c22-94d2-918579e3a516/dbc4f54e-155e-47e9-9029-0c11ff85d127.jpg)
Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland