Travellers could face severe delays and disruption over the coming days as Storm Eowyn bears down on the UK and Ireland, forecast to bring high – potentially tornado strength – winds and heavy rain to many areas.
So severe are the warnings that one agency in the Republic of Ireland has advised clients it will be closed on Friday (24 January) as a precaution.
According to the Met Office, Storm Eowyn – the first named storm of 2025 – could pose “danger to life” bringing winds of up to 100mph, as well as rain and snow.
The Foreign Office has also advised travellers to Ireland to check travel plans in advance and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Rare red warnings for wind have been issued for all of Northern Ireland, as well as central and south-west Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, on Friday.
Amber warnings for wind will take effect across much of northern England and the rest of Scotland tomorrow, where there is also a yellow snow warning.
#StormÉowyn has been named and is forecast to bring strong winds to much of the UK on Friday and into Saturday.
— Met Office (@metoffice)
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/XCphCgyj2Z#StormÉowyn has been named and is forecast to bring strong winds to much of the UK on Friday and into Saturday.
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 21, 2025
Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/XCphCgyj2Z
The weather will move further north late on Friday and into Saturday (25 January), with a further amber wind warning set to come into effect in northern areas of Scotland on Saturday.
There is also a yellow warning for rain across western areas – the South West, Wales and the West Midlands – and a yellow warning for wind across most of England on Friday.
The European Storm Forecast Experiment, meanwhile, has issued a warning for a possible level two tornados in southern England on Friday.
“There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday,” said Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone.
“An amber weather warning for wind has been issued and covers Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and northern England for most of the day on Friday before winds gradually ease later in the day.”
Airports across the UK and Ireland have urged travellers to allow extra time to complete their journeys to their departure airports, as the weather could create queues and delays.
Glasgow airport has told customers to stay in touch with their respective airlines, while Edinburgh airport announced operations will be limited on Friday but it will continue to work alongside airlines to facilitate services.
Belfast International airport has instead called for caution, telling passengers disembarkation procedures will not be attempted in extremely high winds while Gatwick has called on passengers not to turn up too early and risk causing congestion in the terminal.
EasyJet, British Airways and Aer Lingus have all warned passengers of potential disruption to services, urging them to check the status of their flights before heading to their departure airports.
“Our teams are monitoring the situation and if anything changes you will be notified by text or email with further information,” British Airways said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “If you don’t hear from us, your flight will still be operating as scheduled.”
Atlantic Travel in the Irish town of Letterkenny has pre-emptively warned clients it will be closed on Friday due to the red weather warning.
"Due to the red weather warning in place for Donegal, Atlantic Travel will be closed tomorrow [Friday 24 January] for the safety of our staff and clients," it said in a Facebook post. "Our team is currently contacting all clients scheduled to travel tomorrow to provide assistance."
Meanwhile, the media and trade morning at Dublin’s Holiday World Show has been postponed to Friday afternoon between 5pm and 7pm to the severe weather conditions.
TTG will be updating this story as we receive more information about the predicting impacts of the storm.
Glasgow airport has called on passengers to check the status of their flight ahead of travelling.
Edinburgh airport has issued a statement warning operations will be limited on Friday due to the red weather warning. It has nevertheless reassured travellers that it will remain in conversation with airlines to facilitate whatever services will be flying.
“It is for airlines to decide whether they will operate flights and we will facilitate their operations where we are able to do so," said chief operating officer Adam Wilson. "This is a fluid situation, and we are working to understand the knock-on impact. We would ask people for their patience while we work through this.
"We will provide updates when we can but we would also advise to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flights."
Belfast City airport has warned holidaymakers "there might be some disruption" to flights arriving and departing due to the red weather warning.
Belfast International airport has posted a Facebook alert cautioning passengers that flight might be cancelled or redirected on Friday and stressing how passenger and crew safety will be the primary concern.
"All passengers should be aware that disembarkation from aircraft will not be attempted in extremely high winds, due to the very real safety risks of using steps at such a height during the wind speeds anticipated, so please plan accordingly, especially for those who may require medication or for passengers with young children," said a spokesperson.
“The airlines, their handling agents and we will be doing all we can to ensure the safety of all passengers, however, we would ask for your patience and understanding as we do so.”
Gatwick authorities have told holidaymakers not to turn up at the airport too early to avoid creating congestion at the airport.
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