According to Met Éireann, two stations in Ceann Mhása, County Galway and Malin Head, County Donegal, recorded wind speeds reaching hurricane force 12 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts of up to 114 mph (184km/h).

The Irish meteorological service said that Storm Éowyn “went through explosive cyclogenesis as it approached the country from the southwest”, resulting in red weather warnings being issued for much of the UK and Ireland.

The storm, which reached peak intensity on January 23, prompted the Met Office to issue its first ever red weather warning for Northern Ireland and Scotland, signalling the potential for “danger to life” due to high winds and flying debris.

A number of businesses remained closed on Friday, January 24, until the red weather warning was lifted, including Lidl, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. In addition, Northern Ireland’s public transport provider, Translink, suspended all bus and train operations due to the extreme conditions.

Despite these challenges, emergency services and utility companies worked tirelessly to repair essential infrastructure and ensure public safety, while engineers focused on clearing debris from blocked railway lines and fixing power outages. Telecommunications also faced setbacks, with some 6,000 customers experiencing internet disruptions, which are expected to be restored by mid-February.

While the storm tragically claimed a life in County Donegal, the rapid response of emergency teams and the resilience of the affected communities have been crucial in minimising further damage. Public safety was prioritised with businesses, schools, and services closing in areas under the red alert.