Storm Éowyn shows signs of abating following night of hurricane havoc
Wind speeds in the UK have been recorded up to 114mph as Storm Éowyn continues to cause havoc across Northern Ireland.
Disruption to traffic, electricity and water infrastructure and damage to buildings has been significant and there is still some energy left in the storm yet although it may be abating writes Jim Masson.
The Beaufort Scale, a meteorological table for determining the level of force of the wind indicates that Storm Éowyn is Hurricane Force 12, the maximum categoryl with winds ranging from 74 to 136 mph.
I slept poorly last night like most people as the wind crashed around my home beating the walls and roof and in one ominous woeful crunch I lost a few roof tiles. When I surveyed the damage this morning I was thankful the roof was still on.
Government warnings were to hunker down at home until 2pm Friday afternoon, but I ventured out being a member of the press to inquire about damage. There were quite a few properties damaged in Ardglass mainly with roof tiles being dislodged presenting a threat to local residents. The tiles were strewn over pavements and the streets.
Rood tiles may not all go bump in the night but slip half way down the roof and lie precariously waiting for another nudge from the wind. I saw one such tile in a two story building positioned just above the front door… a definite hazard.
There were no reports of any boats in Ardglass breaking loose, but it must have been a testing time for fishermen and boat owners alike as their vessels were buffeted about the harbour straining on their ropes. The Strangford Ferry too has seen services suspended.
As I drove to Downpatrick the road was littered with many fallen treed and branches. The farmers had been up early and were clearing up as best they could but I have never seen such an impact from a storm in all my years there. And there has been a big tree blockage on the Downpatrick Road to Ballyhornan.
The centre of Downpatrick itself was completely deserted unlike a normal bustling Friday and almost all the shops closed because of this extreme weather event.
And social media is starting to flood with people posting up photos of trees down and damage in their back doors.
Weather forecasters were even saying that there could be a tornado in the weather mix adding to the devastation already caused.
Northern Ireland and Scotland have been severely affected. And one scary incident occurred when a plane had difficulties in finding an airport to land safely that was bound for Edinburgh.
Storm Éowyn is not over yet so stay at home until the authorities say it is safe to travel once again.
Check out the BBC NI website for comprehensive updates and information.
Civil Aviation Authority Comments On Flight Disruption
Responding to flight disruption caused by Storm Éowyn, a spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “If a flight faces lengthy delays, airlines have a duty of care to look after their passengers, including providing food and drink, and accommodation if overnight.
“We will not hesitate to take action against any airlines not following these guidelines.”
Background:
- If your flight is significantly delayed, the airline is responsible for looking after you. They should provide meals and accommodation if necessary.
- In case of cancellation, the airline must offer you a refund or alternative travel arrangements.
- Airlines should proactively provide passengers with information about their rights when flights are disrupted.
- Compensation may not be payable if an airline can prove the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances and this may include extreme weather which affects the safe operation of the flight.
- We have guidance on cancellations and flight disruption published on our website: www.caa.co.uk/KnowBeforeYouGo
