Significant impacts from Storm Éowyn with further winds and rain in the forecast
Author: Press Office
15:28 (UTC) on Fri 24 Jan 2025
Further wind and rain is forecast following the severe disruption bought to parts of the UK by Storm Éowyn.
A provisional peak gust of 100mph has been recorded (at Drumalbin, Lanarkshire) so far during Storm Éowyn, with the possibility of this figure changing as more data is reported.
There have been significant impacts from the system, with further wet and windy weather forecast on Sunday and into the start of next week, with weather warnings issued.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “The influence of Storm Éowyn on the UK’s weather will diminish as it moves further north and east on Saturday morning, but there’s little respite in the conditions for some with the next area of low pressure arriving from the southwest on Sunday.
“While Sunday’s system doesn’t have the same strength as Eowyn, it will hamper some recovery efforts and bring further wind and rain, with the possibility of some flooding in places. 10-20mm of rain will fall quite widely on Sunday in central and southern England, much of Wales and Northern Ireland, with 30-50mm possible over high ground. Thundery showers could top up totals later in the day for some.
“With this rain falling on saturated ground in many places, there’s a chance of flooding for some, with winds an accompanying hazard with the system.”
Warnings for wind and rain have been issued with travel disruption, flooding and power cuts highlighted in the warning.
Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency said: “Following the disruptive wind and rain brought by Storm Éowyn, significant surface water flooding impacts are possible in central and South West parts of England on Sunday and overnight into Monday due to further heavy rain, with minor impacts possible more widely.
“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response. We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.
“People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at by searching ‘check my flood risk’, and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With Storm Éowyn set to leave heavy rain and wind in its wake, the forecast indicates ongoing disruption for drivers in the west of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Fallen trees and debris, alongside flooding continuing through the weekend, will make journeys longer than usual and in the worst-case scenario, obstruct or block routes altogether.
“Motorists should still take great care and allow more time for their journeys or delay them until the worst weather has passed. The increased likelihood of standing water also means there’s a risk of aquaplaning, where a thin layer of water causes the vehicle’s tyres to lose contact with the road when driving at faster speeds.”
Sunday’s system has been named as Storm Herminia by the Spanish Meteorological Service, with more significant impacts expected in Spain. The system did not meet the criteria to be named by the Met Office’s storm naming group, which includes Met Eireann and KNMI.
Next week’s weather forecast
Unsettled weather is likely to continue into next week, with further periods of heavy rain and wind at times.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway explained: “The set-up for the early part of next week shows a likely continuation of periods of wet and windy weather although less severe than we have seen from Éowyn. For the second half of the week we start to see a trend toward more settled conditions which could see a return of some frost and fog.”
You can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.