UPDATED – RED Weather Warnings Issued as Storm Éowyn Approaches UK

THE MET OFFICE has updated its Severe Weather Warnings for Storm Éowyn to RED for Northern Ireland and southwestern Scotland.

Red Weather Warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and southwestern areas of Scotland on Friday 24 January 2025, with Yellow Warnings in place for Northern England, Southern England and Wales.

Destructive winds of 80-90 mph are expected, with potential wind speeds of 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular. A red warning means potential danger to life for those in the red warning areas.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Storm Éowyn is a multi-hazard event, with snow likely for some, rain for many and strong winds for much of the UK. As a result, a number of weather warnings have been issued, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.

“Storm Éowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning. It will then continue northeast across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening.

“It’s important to note that even those away from the immediate Red Warning areas will still likely see disruptive weather, with travel plans likely to be severely impacted, as well as the possibility of power cuts for some.”

Preparing for and Working in Severe Weather

Following the red and yellow weather warnings issued for Friday 24 January 2025, Roofing Today has compiled some top tips for roofers working in extreme weather:

• Prepare site works for strong winds by ensuring all materials are secured. Sheets, tools and equipment should all be safely put away so that they are not blown about and don’t present a flying hazard. Scaffolding anchor points should be checked and unsecured boards removed. Details should be displayed onsite for the public or authorities to contact in an emergency.
• Wind can make rooftops more dangerous. For those dealing with large boards or sheets, such as many flat roofing products, extra care should be taken.
• Wind speeds above 23mph or gusts of up to 35mph, are enough to prevent the safe handling of slates, tiles, battens and felts on roofs, with the equivalent for rolls of felt being about 17mph, gusting to 26mph or over.
• You can use a handheld anemometer to check wind speeds at rooftop height.
• Although it might look safe from the ground, roof work should not be carried out during periods of snow or ice. Even if the mercury does rise above freezing or the sun does come out, there could be patches of snow, ice or frost that have not thawed and remain slippy and dangerous.
• Employers should carry out risk assessments on site daily, paying attention to safe access and walkways, areas with roof coverings already laid and scaffolding boards and storage areas at height. Local site conditions can differ from those on the weather forecast.

Find more HSE guidance on safely performing roof work in severe weather here.

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