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NOT MUCH DAMAGE TO BE SEEN IN CAPEL STREET

Today, 24 January 2025, the shops and restaurants in the Bolton Street/Capel street were closed because of “RED” weather warnings.

Storm Éowyn, a powerful and unusual weather system, brought significant disruption to Ireland and the UK in late January 2025. On 24 January, businesses in Dublin’s Bolton Street/Capel Street area were forced to close due to “Red” weather warnings, indicating the severity of the impending storm. Éowyn’s impact was felt across a wide area, with provisional peak wind gusts of 100 mph recorded at Drumalbin, Lanarkshire, a figure that may be revised as further data is analysed. This intensity of wind, coupled with persistent heavy rainfall, made Éowyn a particularly potent storm.

What distinguished Éowyn was not just its wind speeds, but also its broad impact and the subsequent weather systems it triggered. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly explained that while Éowyn’s direct influence diminished as it moved north and east on Saturday morning, it paved the way for another area of low pressure arriving from the southwest on Sunday. This second system, named Storm Herminia by the Spanish Meteorological Service (though not meeting the criteria for naming by the Met Office, Met Éireann, and KNMI storm naming group), hampered recovery efforts and brought further wind and rain, increasing the risk of flooding in already saturated areas.

The Met Office predicted widespread rainfall of 10-20mm across central and southern England, much of Wales, and Northern Ireland on Sunday, with 30-50mm possible over higher ground. The potential for thundery showers further exacerbated the risk of flooding. This continuous onslaught of rain on already saturated ground created a heightened risk of both river and surface water flooding.

The impact of these storms was multifaceted. Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, highlighted the potential for significant surface water flooding in central and south-west England on Sunday and into Monday, with minor impacts possible more widely. The Environment Agency deployed teams to mitigate the impact of flooding and support local authorities. They urged the public to stay away from swollen rivers and avoid driving through floodwater, emphasising the danger of even shallow flowing water.

Travel was also significantly affected. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson warned of ongoing disruption for drivers, particularly in western England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Fallen trees, debris, and flooding made journeys longer and, in some cases, impassable. Drivers were advised to exercise extreme caution, allow extra time for journeys, or postpone travel until conditions improved. The increased risk of standing water also raised the threat of aquaplaning.

The unsettled weather pattern was forecast to continue into the following week, with further periods of heavy rain and wind, although less severe than Éowyn. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway indicated a trend towards more settled conditions in the second half of the week, potentially bringing frost and fog. The combined impact of Éowyn and the subsequent weather systems highlighted the importance of accurate forecasting and preparedness in the face of severe weather.