Those who had outdoorsy plans this weekend might need to reconsider, as Storm Éowyn is going to batter Edinburgh and most of Scotland, England and Wales. The Met Office has announced a Red Weather Warning for Wind for this Friday (January 24), as locals and visitors alike are urged to plan ahead of the storm.
Storm Éowyn has been forecast to bring wind gusts of up to 80-90mph inland, and coastal areas seeing up to 100 mph. Edinburgh is still looking at wind gusts of up to 80mph on the Friday, with possible travel disruptions.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.
“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular.”
Mark Nash, Duty Manager at National Highways, said: “We are expecting high winds and rain to hit most parts of the country later this week. If you’re planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads. If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible.
“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling in storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicles, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather.”
The exact times of the Red Weather Warning for Wind
The Y Weather Warning for Wind is in place in Edinburgh between 10am and 5pm on January 24. An Amber Weather Warning For Wind is in place between 6am and 9pm on January 24, while Edinburgh will see a Yellow Wether Warning on Saturday, January 25 between 12am and 3pm.