Scots have been left “shaking” after receiving the emergency “Armageddon” weather alert on their phone at all hours of the night.
The emergency alert was sent to around 4.5 million people in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Thursday evening. It warned of the dangers posed by Storm Éowyn, which will batter the country from 10am-5pm today.
The alert, known as the “Armageddon alert” system, was sent to phones at around 6pm on Thursday. The alert was the largest of its kind to be issued, surpassing the three million people warned to stay indoors during Storm Darragh.
However, some Scots got a rude awakening when the phone alert went off in the middle of the night, and lasted into the wee hours of the morning. The jarring ping persisted even longer for some – sounding well over five times.
Mobile phones made a loud siren-like sound, even if they were set on silent. The sound and vibration lasted for about 10 seconds, and sent many jumping out their skin, including those who were sound asleep.
Residents couldn’t help but vent their frustration on X. One Scot fumed: “When @cabinetofficeuk makes you f****** s**** yourself in the middle of the night. Hands are still shaking.
“Why didn’t my mum get this alert? Or the neighbour? Can I opt out please if you’re going to wake me up in the middle of the night when I have work in a few hours…”
The young woman added: “There was no need for this @GOVUK @scotgov now everyone is switching off the emergency alert on their phone. Giving people panic attacks in the middle of the night… we’re not being nuked ffs.”
Another penned: “I’d say a government phone alert at 3am is more of a threat to life than the storm,” while a third asked: “Ok but why did another storm alert come through full toot on my phone at 02:30? Absolutely terrifying.”
A fourth raged: “WHY DO I KEEP GETTING THE ALERT ON MY PHONE ITS 6:45am SHUT UP.”
Another went on: “That travel alert to my phone went off for a second time at 1.20am last night. What is the need? Once was enough. I get it – stay at home.”
Explaining the reasoning behind the loud alert before it was issued, the Cabinet Office explained: “In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue Emergency Alerts early this evening.
“This is to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.”
The statement added: “The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
The Met Office has issued a rare red alert warning, with forecasters predicting winds of up to 100mph, which could lead to “flying debris resulting in danger to life”. People are being urged to stay indoors and avoid travelling.
In addition to the wind, there is also a risk of large waves in coastal areas, fallen trees making driving hazardous, and potential power cuts and building damage.
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