Storm Éowyn has caused unprecedented disruption across the UK and Ireland, with record-breaking winds leading to widespread power outages, significant infrastructure damage, and tragic fatalities. Authorities urge caution as recovery efforts face further challenges from incoming weather systems.
Storm Éowyn has caused extensive power outages across Scotland, with winds up to 100mph leaving thousands without electricity. Scottish Power is working to restore power amidst challenging conditions, with significant disruptions reported in Dumfries and Galloway. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel.
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for snow and ice across Northern Ireland, following disruptions caused by Storm Eowyn. Residents are advised to exercise caution due to hazardous conditions.
A suspected mini-tornado wreaked havoc in Cornwall, causing significant damage to properties and uprooting trees in Quintrell Downs near Newquay. The event, described by residents as 'absolute carnage,' occurred as the region prepared for Storm Eowyn, which is expected to bring further severe weather conditions. Local authorities and emergency services are assessing the damage and advising residents to stay safe.
Storm Éowyn has caused severe weather conditions across the UK, particularly affecting Northern Ireland and Scotland with wind gusts up to 100mph. The Met Office issued a rare red weather warning, indicating a 'danger to life'. The storm led to widespread disruption, including school closures, public transport suspensions, and thousands of homes without power. Emergency services were overwhelmed with incidents of structural damage and fallen trees. In Scotland, winds exceeded 90mph, causing power outages and travel chaos, with ScotRail cancelling all services and schools closing as a precaution. Coastal flooding and infrastructure damage were also reported. As the storm moves northeast, conditions are easing, but further warnings for snow and ice have been issued for the weekend.
On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Three UK experienced a significant network outage affecting thousands of customers, including users of Smarty and iD Mobile. The issue, starting around 1pm, disrupted phone calls and, in some cases, access to emergency services. Despite initial reports that data services and 999 calls were unaffected, customer complaints prompted an investigation. The outage tracker Downdetector recorded over 10,000 reports, with social media flooded with frustrations over missed appointments and stranded individuals. Three UK apologized and restored services overnight but warned of potential further disruptions due to Storm Éowyn. Ofcom is in contact with Three to assess the situation, and while compensation eligibility remains unclear, guidelines suggest refunds may be appropriate. This incident follows regulatory approval for Three's £16.5bn merger with Vodafone, expected to complete in 2025. Three has deployed additional engineering resources to mitigate further disruptions and advises customers to restart devices or toggle airplane mode to restore service.