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Storm Eowyn: Amber weather warnings remain in place

Thursday, 23 January 2025 10:47

By Jessica Matthewson X @jessicagmatt

The Met Office has issued a rare red “danger to life” warning covering Edinburgh.

The Met Office issued its highest-level red weather warning as Storm Eowyn swept across the country. Amber Weather Warnings are now in place across Scotland this evening.

Residents are being urged to brace for severe weather conditions, including:

  • Flying debris posing a danger to life
  • Large waves and beach material hitting coastal roads, sea fronts, and homes
  • Hazardous driving conditions due to fallen trees and debris
  • Power outages impacting essential services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Damage to buildings, including roofs being blown off and power lines brought down
  • Travel chaos, with road closures, bridge and railway disruptions, and delays or cancellations to bus, train, ferry, and flight services

The Met Office advises securing outdoor items and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.

Mike Silverstone, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:
"Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday. Weather warnings are in place across all parts of the UK at some point during the day."

The storm will first hit Northern Ireland early Friday morning, moving northeast across northern Scotland by the afternoon and reaching Shetland by evening.

Although the strongest winds are expected to ease by Saturday, gusty conditions will persist in Scotland, with a yellow weather warning in effect from 12 am to 3 pm.

We will provide additional updates on this page as the storm develops.

20.27

Lothian Buses announced that services are gradually returning to normal after Storm Éowyn, but some routes may still be affected by road obstructions.

20.24

The M80 is closed in both directions at the M876 junction in Dennyloanhead due to an electric pole fire, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

18.04

Police Scotland have issued a warning to not venture near Linlithgow High Street after reports of falling debris from buildings. 

18.03

An amber wind warning issued by the Met Office is still in effect for Edinburgh until 9pm this evening.

A yellow wind warning will be in place until 3pm tomorrow, along with a yellow weather warning for snow and ice that will be active from midnight tonight until 11am tomorrow.

17.02

As Scotland officially receives an Amber weather warning and looks ahead to the evening and weekend weather, further wind and rain is predicted to affect the region, prompting continued caution. 

16.49

The A702 is closed in both directions at Hillend due to fallen trees covering the roadway, with emergency services currently on the scene.

16.44 

A major incident has been declared at NHS Forth Valley due to power problems, as reports indicate that backup generators failed to activate for a brief time following a power cut at Forth Valley Royal Hospital during the red weather alert.

Power has since been restored.

16.37

Mary Poppins at the Capital Theatre has cancelled this evening's performance.

16.35

Edinburgh Council warns people to remain indoors as we draw closer to 5pm.

16.14

A building near Denny Cross has partially collapsed, prompting Falkirk Council to warn individuals to avoid the area until further notice. 

16.08 

Edinburgh Airport has shared an update as dangerous conditions pursue. 

16.06 

The First Minister has issued a statement after chairing a meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Room.With impacts of the storm spreading into the weekend he says: "A high level of vigilance is still required."

15.24

Edinburgh Playhouse has released an update regarding tonight's performance of The Rocky Horror Show.

15.23

There have been reports indicating a fire on the railway line near Dunblane.

15.20

A trampoline has been found near the fence at Edinburgh Airport.

14.42

A gust of 100 mph has been recorded in Drumalbin, Scotland, marking the highest wind speed recorded in the UK today.

Bear Scotland reported a gust of 99.1 mph on the Queensferry Crossing, the primary bridge linking Edinburgh to northern Scotland.

14.37

Scotrail have announced that a full assessment of the damage cannot be completed until the storm has passed and Network Rail can safely access the network.

Due to this, ScotRail services will be heavily disrupted tomorrow (Saturday 25th), with customers advised to expect delayed or cancelled trains until at least 12.00pm at the earliest.

13.57

The A876 Clackmannanshire Bridge is closed in both directions due to strong winds.

13.10

A new weather warning has been issued, this time for the Scottish Highlands. The amber wind warning will remain in effect until 06.00 on Saturday. 25th. 

13.03

There are reports of a fallen tree on the slip road from the bypass at Hermiston Gate westbound. Other images shared online have shown buildings losing their roofs and fallen trees damaging fences.

11.43

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), responsible for managing power supplies north of the central belt, announced that it has already restored electricity to 6,568 customers who experienced outages since the storm started early this morning.

SSEN anticipates additional disruptions throughout the day. The company has deployed at least ten times its usual workforce in response to Storm Éowyn.

10.54 

Network Rail Scotland has reported that a gust of 103 mph has already been recorded north of Perth.

10.12 

Edinburgh Airport has announced that no flights will operate between 10.00 and 17.00 today. 

Airline schedules are expected to be adjusted over the coming days so travellers are advised to continually check with your airline for the most up-to-date information regarding flight changes and cancellations.

10.04

A crash on the A1 in East Lothian has led to the closure of the road as drivers receive urgent storm warnings. 

The A1 at Dunbar is shut following a collision near Bilsdean, affecting traffic in both the northbound and southbound directions.

10.00

The red weather warning is now in full effect in Scotland.

This alert affects the Central Belt, including the major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

As a result over 1,000 properties are without power and reports of disruption on roads. 

A red warning signifies a potential danger to life, prompting the Scottish government to convene with emergency services and key agencies, such as health and transport providers, to coordinate the response. 

Police Scotland advises people to remain at home. The warning is expected to remain in effect until 17:00 tonight.

09.38

Edinburgh's Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge are currently closed to traffic as Storm Eowyn impacts the city. 

The Queensferry Crossing is not allowing high-sided vehicles, caravans, cars with trailers or roof boxes, and motorcycles. Meanwhile, the Forth Road Bridge is closed in both directions due to strong wind gusts.

09.28

Edinburgh Tram services announce that, following guidance from the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, they have made the decision to suspend all operations starting at 10.00am today (Friday, January 24th).

The aim is to resume service in time for tonight’s evening peak.

09.00 

Storm Eowyn rages through the UK and makes its mark on Scotland with up to 100mph winds. 

18.11

Midlothian Council has confirmed that all recycling centres will be closed on Friday, and all kerbside pickups will be suspended.

The City of Edinburgh Council have also stated that residents should not to put their wheelie bins and boxes out for collection tomorrow. Friday's scheduled collections will be carried out over the weekend instead. 

18.06

McGill’s Buses has announced that all services will be suspended on Friday across the central belt, including Strathclyde, Forth Valley, and Edinburgh, from 9am to 6pm.

17.58

This emergency message accompanied by a loud siren sound has been sent to phones across the UK due to Storm Éowyn.

17.09

An emergency alert will be dispatched to phones throughout the UK as Storm Éowyn poses a "danger to life" in certain regions of the country.

The alert will feature a sound and vibration lasting approximately ten seconds and will be sent to all phones in the highest-risk areas at 6 PM on Thursday, regardless of whether they are on silent mode.

This will mark the first real-time deployment of the emergency alert system in Scotland, following its nationwide testing in April of last year.

17.04

NHS Lothian has made the decision to cancel all routine, non-urgent planned procedures and most hospital outpatient appointments.

14.22

ScotRail has announced the suspension of all services for tomorrow. They strongly recommend refraining from traveling, as there will be no train services and no alternative transportation options available.

14.17

Edinburgh Council has announced that all council schools and early years settings will be closed on Friday. Schools will reach out directly to parents with further details.

Only essential council services will be operational tomorrow.

13.55

Stirling Council has taken the decision to close all schools tomorrow.

13.45

Police Scotland have advised the public against traveling to areas under the Red weather warning, which includes Central, Tayside & Fife, South West Scotland, Lothian Borders, and parts of Strathclyde. This warning covers Edinburgh, Glasgow, and surrounding areas.

12.36

Lothian Bus services may be affected, with customers advised to check their journey plans for any disruptions or changes before traveling.

12.28

BEAR Scotland warns road users to anticipate closures and restrictions on major bridges in South East Scotland due to the significant wind hazards. Winds exceeding 80mph are expected, leading to the closure of the Forth Road Bridge to all vehicles and restrictions on the Queensferry Crossing and Clackmannanshire Bridge, as well as potential closures of A1 bridges in East Lothian for high-sided vehicles.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Network Manager, said: “Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring very strong winds that will mean restrictions on bridges in South East Scotland.

“Drivers of wind susceptible vehicles should pay particular attention to weather warnings and avoid routes with restrictions in place.”

12.18

East Lothian, local schools and nurseries will be closed on Friday, 24 January. The decision has been made as an essential safety precaution to safeguard students and staff. Schools will directly contact families to discuss arrangements for remote learning during this time.

12.12

Several popular tourist attractions in Scotland have announced their closure for the day due to severe weather warnings. Affected sites include Edinburgh Castle, National Library of Scotland, Gladstone's Land, Newhailes House, and Glenkinchie Distillery.

11.34

ScotRail has announced on X that they will provide updates on travel services shortly, while several English operators have canceled various services. Significant disruptions to air and ferry travel are also anticipated.

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