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.
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Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here:
Key updates
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
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
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
Storm Éowyn causes devastation across Northern Ireland
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
Translink cancels all rail services for the rest of the day, warning of further disruption
They have confirmed that no rail services will operate for the rest of today, with some early Saturday morning services potentially affected also.
Translink also expects bus services will also continue to be affected this afternoon and evening the road network is assessed.
Translink’s Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell said: “As we monitor the impact of the storm, early indications show there will be significant work needed to assess the damage, undertake repairs and remove debris from the railway before we can resume passenger services safely.
“We have already identified there are several railway lines blocked with fallen trees and debris that will need removed.
“The road network is also impacted with debris and there is also damage to some passenger facilities in certain areas.
“Our teams are on standby and as soon as it is safe to do so, we will take steps to carry out the vital safety checks to start the recovery process.
“We will keep passengers informed of developments through our Journey Planner, website Weather Warning and social media channels and would ask everyone to please check these before you travel.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with all agencies and will resume bus and train services when it safe to do so.
“We would like to thank all our passengers and staff for their support and patience at this time”.
M2 southbound closed
The M2 southbound is closed between Dunsilly and Rathbeg, due to a number of fallen trees. Please seek an alternative route for your journey, and only travel if strictly necessary.
Belfast International Airport expects some flights to resume this afternoon
A spokesperson for the airport said that operations at the airport remain limited, with all flights cancelled, while a red weather warning remains in place.
They added: “Although all flights have been cancelled for the duration of the red weather warning, we expect some flights to begin operating later this afternoon. We are working with our airline partners to understand which flights they plan to operate.
They added: “Although all flights have been cancelled for the duration of the red weather warning, we expect some flights to begin operating later this afternoon. We are working with our airline partners to understand which flights they plan to operate.
“This remains a fast-moving situation and flight schedules will continue to change over the coming hours. Passengers should continue to check with their airline throughout today and tomorrow for the latest updates to flights.
“Passengers should check status of their flight before attending the airport. If their flight is operating once the Red weather warning has passed, and they chose to travel, passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport two hours before their airlines scheduled departure time.
“PSNI have advised that people should not travel on roads within the Met Office’s Red weather warning area – passengers should continue to follow that advice. Please follow the guidance from the PSNI and NI Direct.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience at this time. Further updates will be provided in due course.”
Belfast City Council issues update on bin and box collections
Belfast City Council has made residents aware of arrangements which have been put in place for any bins or Bryson Recycling boxes which have not been emptied today (Friday 24 January) due to Storm Éowyn.
* Bins should be left out by 7am tomorrow morning (Saturday 25 January). If they are not emptied tomorrow, residents should bring them back in, and then leave out again by 7am on Sunday 26 January.
* Bryson Recycling boxes will be done on their next scheduled collection date. Further info about specific arrangements for these are on our website – belfastcity.gov.uk/weather
Belfast City Council will be updating its website and social media channels again today with further information for all services and venues on Saturday 25 January, once confirmed – belfastcity.gov.uk/weather
You can follow us at @belfastcc on X/Twitter and @belfastcitycouncil on Facebook.
Fire service chief says weather expected to cause difficulties until tomorrow
Speaking on the BBC’s Talkback, NIFRS Group Commander Alan O’Neill urged the public to remain vigilant even after the red weather warning ends this afternoon.
“We still expect the weather to cause difficulties, right through, probably into tomorrow morning,” he said.
Mr O’Neill added that while the red alert was only in place until 2pm, an amber alert would be in force until 9pm tonight.
“We would really encourage the public to stay at home and not do anything unless it absolutely essential, because the roads are treacherous, so they’re putting themselves at risk,” he added.
Earlier today, NIFRS confirmed it had received over 160 calls since the first yellow weather warning came into force last night.
Mr O’Neill said he wasn’t able to confirm if there had been any significant injuries reported but said that the storm has already had a “significant impact” on people and properties across NI.
“We still expect the weather to cause difficulties, right through, probably into tomorrow morning,” he said.
Mr O’Neill added that while the red alert was only in place until 2pm, an amber alert would be in force until 9pm tonight.
“We would really encourage the public to stay at home and not do anything unless it absolutely essential, because the roads are treacherous, so they’re putting themselves at risk,” he added.
Earlier today, NIFRS confirmed it had received over 160 calls since the first yellow weather warning came into force last night.
Mr O’Neill said he wasn’t able to confirm if there had been any significant injuries reported but said that the storm has already had a “significant impact” on people and properties across NI.
Tree down on famous east Belfast street
A tree on a Belfast street made famous by Sir Van Morrison has crashed into a garden. This was the scene on Cyprus Avenue earlier.
‘Cyprus Avenue’ was a song on Sir Van’s 1968 album Astral Weeks.
‘Cyprus Avenue’ was a song on Sir Van’s 1968 album Astral Weeks.
Limavady school sees roof damaged during Storm Éowyn
Drumrane Primary School in Burnfoot Village, is among the buildings damaged as NI is battered by strong winds.
Drumrane ps school in Burnfoot Village in The Borough of Limavady.Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press
NI Water reports disruption to supply across multiple postcodes
In a post on X the water company said it was aware of customers losing supply in the following areas:
- BT5
- BT25
- BT28
- BT35
- BT39
- BT42
- BT67
A spokesperson added: “We will dispatch repair crews to these areas as soon as it safe to do so – thanks for your patience.”
Further details are available at https://orlo.uk/6jtY7
Further details are available at https://orlo.uk/6jtY7
Around 240,000 customers without power in NI but number expected to rise
NIE Networks have advised the public to stay well clear of any damaged electricity equipment as Storm Eowyn continues to cause significant damage to the electricity network.
They confirmed that as of 11:30am approximately 240,000 customers were without power, but that number is expected to increase as the storm continues.
Alex Houston, Network Operations Manager for NIE Networks, said: “We are aware of hazards on the network so we are urging everyone to please 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, if in doubt, stay clear.
“We will only be able to begin to mobilise our crews when the Red Alert passes. At that stage we will be focusing on making the network safe but our plea is for everyone 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, if in doubt, stay clear.
“We will only be able to begin to mobilise our crews when the Red Alert passes. At that stage we will be focusing on making the network safe but our plea is for everyone 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 via nienetworks.co.uk, WhatsApp, Facebook or call our helpline on 03457 643 643.
Customers can also report a power cut via nienetworks.co.uk, WhatsApp, Facebook or call our helpline on 03457 643 643.
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![There was a lucky escape for the occupants of this car after it was struck by a falling tree in east Belfast. [Presseye]](https://focus.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/thumbor/zzt50mtF-kGKFWyyVLXY2PHthq4=/27x0:1888x1241/960x640/prod-mh-ireland/9dd1813b-15d9-4f05-a07d-85bf578a9cf1/218e90b9-aab5-4afb-aea2-1b4859cd0815/9dd1813b-15d9-4f05-a07d-85bf578a9cf1.jpg)
Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland