Several schools in north Wales have announced closures on Friday as Storm Éowyn is set to bring severe gales and heavy rain.
The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including an amber wind warning for parts of north Wales, with gusts expected to reach up to 90mph (145km/h) in coastal areas. Forecasters have warned of a potential danger to life, power cuts, and possible damage to buildings.
School and Travel Disruptions
All primary schools in both Holyhead and the Amlwch catchment area will remain closed on Friday, while many schools in western Anglesey have also opted to shut due to the severe weather risks.
Transport services are expected to be heavily affected, with train operators advising customers to avoid travelling on certain routes across north Wales. Transport for Wales and Network Rail have urged passengers to check before travelling on Friday and over the weekend, as delays and cancellations are anticipated. A joint statement confirmed that speed restrictions will be in place in some areas, and certain train lines will be closed to minimise disruption.
Train operators Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Grand Central have also warned against travelling on affected routes across parts of north Wales and Scotland.
Weather Warnings in Place
The amber wind warning is active from 06:00 GMT until 21:00 on Friday, covering Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Gwynedd.
In addition to the amber warning, three yellow weather warnings have been issued:
- A wind warning from 07:00 to 17:00 on Thursday, affecting most of Wales.
- A second wind warning for all of Friday, covering the entirety of Wales.
- A rain warning from 00:00 to 09:00 on Friday, impacting Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Storm Éowyn is the fifth named storm of the 2024-25 season, which began in October last year.
A Met Office spokesman stated: “There is a chance that damage to buildings and homes could occur, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Road, rail, air and ferry services are likely to be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.”
How to Protect Your Home from Flooding
Residents are advised to take the following precautions to minimise flood risks:
- Empty any water butts in the garden before the rain starts to reduce excess rainwater flowing into drains.
- Ensure home and garden drains are clear of leaves and debris.
- Check and, where possible, clear roadside drains near your property, or report blockages to your local council.
Who to Contact in Case of Flooding
- For flooding on roads, small rivers, and streams, or blocked drains and grates on highways, contact your local council.
- If you are at risk of flooding due to rising river levels, seek assistance from Natural Resources Wales.
- For sewer flooding or flooding caused by burst pipes, contact your water supplier.
