Red warning for Cork: Storm Éowyn to bring 'danger to life' risk on Friday 

A status red wind warning has been issued for Cork, Kerry, Clare and Limerick this Friday, as Storm Éowyn is set to bring challenging conditions.

On Thursday night and Friday, a deepening low-pressure system, Storm Éowyn (AY-OH-WIN), is forecast to track across Ireland.

Met Éireann have advised that gale force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h.

Potential impacts include danger to life, extremely dangerous travelling conditions, cancellation of events, wave overtopping, coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas, unsafe working conditions, fallen trees, significant and widespread power outages, structural damage, and disruption and cancellations to transport.

The warning is valid from 3am on Friday morning to 10am on Friday morning.

Red Wind Weather Warning has been issued for: Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick, from Friday 03:00 to Friday 10:00.

Please check the graphic below for more information. https://t.co/LLEPQmicHE#StormEowyn #StormÉowyn pic.twitter.com/wNchlk4Dax

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 22, 2025

The weather warning will move back to status orange at 10am, and that warning remains in place until 5pm on Friday.

Potential impacts include fallen trees, damage to power lines and power outages, structural damage, very difficult travelling conditions, disruption and cancellations to transport and wave overtopping.

An Orange Wind Warning has been issued for Ireland, due to Storm Éowyn, beginning 02:00 Friday 24th, valid until 17:00 Friday 24th.

Please check the details below. https://t.co/XIjOm8VbJ1#stormÉowyn pic.twitter.com/MKA99rqqkQ

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 22, 2025

Transitory falls of sleet and snow are expected too, especially across west and northwest counties. High seas and spells of heavy rain are expected also.

Temperatures are set to drop in Cork over the weekend, with low temperatures of 0 degrees expected on Friday and Saturday. The end of this week is set to be largely dry, with some showers tomorrow, and significant rainfall beginning Saturday and continuing into next week.

Met Éireann is continuously monitoring the evolving situation and further weather warnings will be issued as confidence in the forecast track/intensity of the Low-Pressure system improves.

People are advised to check the met.ie website and app for updates to forecasts and warnings in the coming days.

RNLI warning

Ahead of Storm Éowyn, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.

The strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead 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 or a waterside location, 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 or water. A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.

"If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, 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 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / 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, cliff edges and any exposed waterside location 
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go 
• Take a fully charged phone with you and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back 
• In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard