Storm Éowyn: Northern Ireland counting the cost of its first-ever red weather alert
Widespread damage caused with thousands of households still without power and some schools remaining closed
Last updated 27th Jan 2025
Northern Ireland continued to count the cost today (Monday) of Storm Éowyn which has left a trail of widespread devastation in its wake.
This includes some schools remaining closed and some 65,000 households currently still without electricity. At one stage that total had been close to 300,000.
NIE Networks said more than 1,000 staff were working to resolve the situation with around 211,000 customers already having their power restored.
A spokesperson added: "We are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away.
"Please report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643."
Meanwhile, a clearing-up operation is still under way across Northern Ireland - with trees uprooted and slates ripped off houses.
The famous Dark Hedges (pictured above) Co Antrim also took a battering.
At the height of Northern Ireland's first-ever red weather alert, flights and sailings were cancelled while all schools, shopping centres and supermarkets were closed.
Many of these schools remained shut today.
Stormont Education MInister Paul Givan said: “Work has continued today to support schools impacted by Storm Éowyn to reopen as soon as possible.
“The Education Authority’s Maintenance Helpline has been operational throughout the weekend. It received 154 reports of damage to school buildings, ranging in severity from missing roof tiles, fallen trees and serious structural damage.
“The safety of children and staff is paramount.
"Maintenance teams have been out on the ground today undertaking essential repairs and assessing whether it is safe to reopen.
“The latest information indicates that only a small number of schools will be closed on Monday due to damage caused by the storm and the majority of these we hope will be able to open on Tuesday. The Education Authority has been engaging with principals and are working to put contingency arrangements in place.”
Meanwhile, an online information session was held for schools yesterday (Sunday) evening to provide an update on the current situation with over 280 principals attending.
Mr Givan said it had been "a challenging weekend for school leaders."
I want to place on record my thanks for their considerable efforts, as we work together to ensure schools reopen as quickly as possible
“It is important that wherever possible, when a school is closed, children engage in remote learning to minimise disruption to their education," he said.
" Schools have been asked to make every effort to deploy remote learning. If families do not have online access, children can complete any outstanding homework, coursework or work that was sent home last week.
“Schools will understand if children are unable to complete work that is set online if pupils do not have electricity or internet access. We also understand it is very disruptive for families and for children to be off school and many parents will need to work and will be relying on the support of family or friends.”
Storm Éowyn in pics 👇
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