Storm Éowyn
Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Terrifying Moment Plane Battles 100mph Winds to Land at Heathrow

Storm Éowyn, already described as an “exceptional weather event” by police in Northern Ireland, has struck the UK with devastating force, posing significant dangers to life across the nation. The storm wreaked havoc as planes struggled to land at Heathrow Airport due to the relentless high winds. On January 23, Storm Éowyn saw wind speeds soar to 114mph in Galway, Ireland, breaking records previously set in 1945 in Limerick, according to Met Éireann. In the UK, schools were forced to close, and residents were warned to avoid travel amid life-threatening 100mph gusts.

The severity of the storm has led to widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of rail services and flights. Experts have issued warnings about potential damage to buildings, uprooted trees, and widespread power cuts. A video shared by Big Jet TV showed a plane struggling to land at London’s Heathrow Airport before being forced to pull up moments after touching down, highlighting the chaos caused by the storm, according to the Mirror.

Passengers inside the terminal faced long delays, with many seeking refuge and rest in the departure lounges. Similar disruptions were reported at key airports across the UK, including Belfast, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, where numerous flights were grounded and operations suspended. The storm’s impact extended to rail services, with ScotRail suspending all services across Scotland due to unsafe weather conditions. Other train operators, such as Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry, and Grand Central, also advised customers against traveling on routes in northern England, Scotland, and north Wales, resulting in a halt to numerous services.

The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings for Scotland and Northern Ireland, predicting gusts of up to 100mph in coastal areas. Mace Head on the Galway coast recorded a staggering 108mph gust at 4am, while Wales saw Aberdaron in Gwynedd hit 93mph and Cumbria recorded winds of 70mph. Train operator ScotRail suspended all services across Scotland, citing the dangerous weather conditions as the reason. Other companies like Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry, and Grand Central also canceled services across parts of north Wales, Scotland, and northern England.

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports have limited operations, with Glasgow citing “a significant level of flight cancellations,” and Belfast International warning of substantial flight disruptions. Passengers and motorists in areas under red and amber weather warnings have been advised to avoid travel unless absolutely essential.

National Highways confirmed the closure of key routes, including the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, as well as the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, due to the powerful winds.

The exceptional intensity of Storm Éowyn has left the UK grappling with its aftermath, as authorities work to restore normalcy and ensure public safety amid ongoing severe weather conditions. Emergency services remain on high alert, and communities are urged to stay indoors and follow safety guidelines to navigate the ongoing challenges presented by this rare and destructive storm.

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