Storm Éowyn set provisional wind speed records at several weather stations last month, generating hurricane-force mean wind speeds at two locations.
This storm delivered the highest provisional wind speeds recorded since the inception of digital records at Ceann Mhása, Co Galway. The peak gust noted was 184km/h, while the maximum 10-minute wind speed reached 142km/h.
Mean wind speeds surged to hurricane force 12 on the Beaufort scale at both Ceann Mhása and Malin Head in Co Donegal.
On January 24, Ceann Mhása was one of four weather stations that surpassed their previous highest gust records during Storm Éowyn.
In total, four stations also established new records for highest 10-minute wind speeds: Ceann Mhása, Finner (115km/h), Athenry (139km/h), and Gurteen (124km/h).
According to Met Éireann’s January meteorological report, Storm Éowyn “experienced explosive cyclogenesis as it neared Ireland from the southwest” and “achieved peak intensity while skirting” Ireland’s northwest coast.
Strongest gusts occurred at low tide
Keith Lambkin, head of Climate Services at Met Éireann, remarked: “During this specific storm, we observed eight Met Éireann stations reaching point 10 on the [Beaufort] scale, signifying Storm Force.
“Four stations experienced winds that reached level 11 on the scale, indicative of a Violent Storm.
“Additionally, both Ceann Mhása in Co Galway and Malin Head in Donegal recorded hurricane-force winds, signifying the peak on the scale.
“This illustrates the severe damage caused not only by those record-setting winds but also by many other high wind observations at various [weather] stations across the country,” he stated.
He noted that hurricane-force winds in Ireland are “relatively uncommon,” although they have occurred in the past, such as during the ‘Night of the Big Wind [Oíche na Gaoithe Móire]’ in January 1839.
He mentioned that a “rapid deepening” of Storm Éowyn—which can occur at times—was responsible for its immense power.
Mr. Lambkin indicated that it is “possible to some extent” to associate Storm Éowyn with climate change, highlighting “compound effects” as a primary focus for meteorologists: “This scenario unfolds when a storm system combines with factors like rising sea levels, resulting in more destructive outcomes.
“The strongest gust from Storm Éowyn happened to coincide with low tide.
“If that had occurred during high tide, with additional sea level rise due to climate change, the storm would have inflicted significantly more damage.
“This is a critical aspect we are monitoring from a climate change standpoint and its relation to storms,” he concluded.
Powerless: The Storm That Shook Ireland – a new documentary detailing the impact of Storm Éowyn airs on RTÉ One tonight at 7pm.
