Storm Éowyn is gearing up to unleash one of the most severe weather events in recent memory, with Scotland set to bear the brunt of its fury on Friday and Saturday. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is warning coastal communities to stay alert as the storm brings strong winds and heavy rain.
The Met Office has issued several yellow and amber weather warnings, with Friday expected to see wind gusts reaching up to 80mph across the central belt of Scotland. In more exposed areas, such as islands and coastal regions, gusts could spike to an alarming 90mph, posing serious risks.
The Met Office has also issued red weather warnings as Storm Éowyn is set to bring disruptive winds, along with heavy rain and snow, to parts of the UK on Friday.
Northern Ireland, as well as central and southwestern Scotland, will experience the full force of the storm, with red warnings for wind alerting residents to the risk of widespread disruption. The stormy conditions will also bring significant rainfall and snow, heightening the challenges for these areas.
Scotland’s west coast looks like being the worst-affected area during the red warning, which lasts from 10am until 5pm on Friday, January 24. And for anyone thinking of travelling to the coast, the RNLI is urging extreme caution. The storm’s powerful winds could create hazardous conditions, especially along cliffs, piers, and seafronts.
RNLI Water Safety Lead for Scotland, Michael Avril, said: “Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
“If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.”
The RNLI’s safety advice is:
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
- Take a phone with you
- In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
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