A rare “stay at home” warning has been issued for parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland as Storm Éowyn, a powerful extratropical bomb cyclone, batters the region with dangerous 100mph (160 km/h) winds. The storm has caused widespread travel chaos, including delays to flights, suspensions of rail services, and road closures.

Storm Éowyn’s Impact:

The storm, which formed rapidly in the North Atlantic, has been particularly devastating for Northern Ireland and central and southwestern Scotland. The UK’s Met Office issued a red weather warning on Friday morning, highlighting the areas most affected by the storm’s strongest winds.

In addition to the wind warnings, a yellow snow warning is also in effect for northern and central Scotland, with possible snow accumulation in high areas. However, rain and sleet are expected to replace the snow at lower elevations.

Power Outages and Travel Disruptions:

More than 93,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland are without power, according to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE). Restoration efforts are ongoing, but repair teams cannot safely begin their work until conditions improve. Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, urged residents to stay indoors, stating, “We are now in the eye of the storm.”

In Ireland, a gust of 113 mph was recorded in Mace Head, Co. Galway, which could be the strongest wind speed ever recorded in the country. Schools across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland were closed on Friday, with a warning for people to avoid travel.

Severe Transport Disruptions:

The storm has caused major disruptions to public transport. All ScotRail services across Scotland were suspended, with the train operator stating that it would not be safe to operate passenger services. Other rail operators, including Avanti West Coast, LNER, and Transport for Wales, have also been affected, with numerous train cancellations.

Over 1,070 flights scheduled in the UK and Ireland were canceled on Friday, leaving travelers stranded. Dublin Airport resumed operations later in the day after wind conditions eased, but additional cancellations were still possible.

Widespread Damage and Public Safety:

In areas under red and amber weather warnings, motorists have been advised to avoid non-essential travel. Social media has been flooded with images of the damage caused by the storm. In Dublin, the Fire Brigade posted a photo of collapsed scaffolding blocking a road. In Durham, England, an overturned lorry was spotted on a major road, while in Galway, Ireland, decades-old trees were uprooted by the fierce winds.

The Storm’s Legacy and Warnings for the Future:

Storm Éowyn is expected to move away from the UK by Saturday, but yellow wind warnings will remain in effect in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Meteorologist Ambrogio Volonté, from the University of Reading, cautioned that Storm Éowyn could rival the intensity of other recent storms, such as Storm Eunice (2022) and Storm Ciarán (2023), both of which caused significant damage and loss of life.

Experts are also warning that bomb cyclones like Storm Éowyn—extremely intense winter storms that form rapidly—are among the most destructive in Northern Europe. While the impact of climate change on these cyclones remains uncertain, some studies suggest that the most severe storms may be becoming stronger due to global warming.

As the storm continues to batter the region, authorities are urging residents to follow safety advice and remain indoors as conditions improve.

Source

The post Storm Éowyn Causes Widespread Chaos Across the UK and Ireland appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A massive winter storm is set to impact an estimated 62 million people across a 1,300-mile stretch of the United States from Saturday afternoon through Monday. The storm, which is expected to deliver the most significant winter weather of the season, will bring heavy snow, treacherous ice, soaking rain, and severe thunderstorms, affecting at least a dozen states.

Winter Storm Overview

• Duration: Saturday afternoon through Monday.
• Regions Impacted: Plains, Midwest, Mississippi Valley, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and East Coast.
• Hazards: Heavy snowfall, icy conditions, power outages, dangerous travel, and severe thunderstorms.

“This could bring the heaviest snowfall in over a decade for some areas,” warned NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center.

Widespread Snowfall and Record Threats

The storm will bring several inches of snow to affected regions, with some areas expected to receive over a foot.

• Regions Most Affected: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Major Cities on Alert:
  • Kansas City: Snowfall could surpass the January record of 7.2 inches set in 2011.
  • Indianapolis: Potential to break the January record of 11.4 inches set in 2014.
  • St. Louis: Could see snowfall exceeding a foot, a rare occurrence only recorded four times in its history.

In Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, the Monday morning commute could be hazardous due to snow accumulation.

Treacherous Ice Conditions

South of the snowiest areas, the storm will unleash significant icing, which could make travel nearly impossible and cause widespread power outages.

• Highest Risk Areas: Southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and parts of the central Appalachians.
• Ice Accumulation:
  • 0.10 inches: Roads and sidewalks turn dangerously slippery.
  • 0.25 inches or more: Trees and power lines risk snapping, causing infrastructure damage and long-lasting power outages.

Travel and Emergency Preparations

Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency or preparedness.

• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear: Warned of “dangerous conditions” on roads and significant power outages.
• Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin: Advised travelers to consider leaving earlier than Sunday.
• Maryland Governor Wes Moore: Highlighted potential snow accumulation and disruptions to transportation.

Severe Thunderstorms in the South

On the storm’s southern side, warmer air will trigger severe thunderstorms and flooding.

• Severe Thunderstorm Risk: Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi face a Level 3 out of 5 threat on Sunday.
• Threats: Damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.

Rainfall in the Southeast could cause localized flooding, especially in areas recovering from December’s devastating tornado outbreak.

What’s Next: Arctic Cold to Follow

As the storm moves off the East Coast late Monday, a deep freeze will set in.

• Temperature Drop: Up to 30°F below average across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
• Duration: Arctic cold will persist into mid-January, solidifying snow and ice accumulations.

Key Safety Tips

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
• Prepare for power outages with emergency supplies and alternative heat sources.
• Monitor local weather updates for real-time information.

This storm, with its combination of snow, ice, and severe weather, will likely cause widespread disruptions and pose life-threatening hazards. Stay alert and take precautions to ensure safety.

Source

The post 62 Million People in Path of Major Winter Storm Bringing Snow and Ice appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

(Valid for broadcast until the next advisory at 11:00 AM today)

Overview
Super Typhoon “Pepito” has passed over the waters north of Calaguas Islands and is now situated over the sea east of Quezon.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
  Refer to Weather Advisory No. 50 issued at 8:00 AM today for the latest heavy rainfall forecast associated with “Pepito.”
• Severe Winds:
  The wind signals provide a warning of the general wind threat in areas affected by the tropical cyclone. Winds may be slightly stronger in coastal and upland/mountainous regions exposed to the prevailing winds. Areas sheltered from the wind direction will experience less intensity.
  • Wind Signal No. 5: Extreme impacts from typhoon-force winds are expected.
  • Wind Signal No. 4: Significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible.
  • Wind Signal No. 3: Moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds are expected.
  • Wind Signal No. 2: Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are likely.
  • Wind Signal No. 1: Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible.
• Coastal Inundation:
  There is a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak surge heights exceeding 3.0 meters over the next 48 hours. The following areas are at risk:
  • Ilocos Region (western coast), Isabela, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Marinduque, and Bicol Region.
    For detailed information, refer to Storm Surge Warning No. 10 issued at 8:00 AM today.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Gale Warning:
  A Gale Warning is in effect over the eastern, western, and southern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. For more details, refer to Gale Warning No. 13 issued at 5:00 AM today.
• Sea Condition Outlook:
  Sea conditions are expected to be very rough, with waves up to 14.0 meters in some areas. Mariners are advised to remain in port or seek shelter until conditions improve.
  • Very Rough Seas (Up to 14.0m): Northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands; seaboard of Aurora
  • High Seas (Up to 12.0m): Seaboard of Camarines Norte
  • Rough Seas (Up to 4.0m): Seaboards of Batanes, northern Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Zambales
  • Moderate Seas (Up to 2.5m): Western seaboard of Bataan; eastern seaboard of Dinagat Islands

  Mariners of small vessels are advised not to venture out to sea, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped boats.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Movement:
  PEPITO is expected to continue moving west-northwestward over the waters north of Camarines Provinces and east of Quezon this morning. By late morning, it will pass close to or over Polillo Islands.
  • Landfall: The typhoon will make landfall over northern Quezon or central/southern Aurora between noon and afternoon today.
  • After Landfall: It will cross the northern portion of Central Luzon and the southern portion of Northern Luzon, passing through the upland areas of Sierra Madre, Caraballo, and Cordillera Central by this afternoon and evening.
  • Emerging over the West Philippine Sea: PEPITO will emerge over the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union tonight or early tomorrow (18 November). It will continue to move generally west-northwestward, and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow afternoon.

  It is important to note that areas outside the forecasted landfall and confidence cone may still experience heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges.

• Intensity:
  PEPITO is expected to slightly weaken as it approaches its second landfall. After crossing mainland Luzon, it will likely weaken into a severe tropical storm. Further weakening is expected over the West Philippine Sea due to the incoming northeasterly wind surge.

Current Status

• Location of Eye/Center: The center of PEPITO’s eye is located over the coastal waters of Vinzons, Camarines Norte (14.9°N, 123.1°E).
• Movement: Moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
• Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h.

Conclusion
Residents in affected areas should stay informed and follow advisories issued by local authorities. It is crucial to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal inundation. Stay indoors and secure property, especially in coastal and highland areas.

Please monitor official weather reports for updates and stay safe.

Source

The post Typhoon Pepito Update: Preparing for Severe Weather and Storm Surge in the Philippines appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is a developing chance that Kristine could reloop over the WPS back toward the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Sunday or Monday.

Kristine is forecast to exit PAR this afternoon but its reloop still depends on the behavior of another weather disturbance east of PAR that is expected to develop into a tropical depression.

Kristine is expected to re-intensify as it moves over the West Philippine Sea and could still reach typhoon category.

The cyclone was monitored over the coastal waters of Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur as of 5 pm as it moves westward slowly.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 115 km/h.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 3 was still raised over Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan with winds of greater than 89 km/h up to 117 km/h expected.

Signal No. 2 was raised over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga and Bulacan.

Meanwhile, signal No. 1 was raised over Batanes, Metro Manila, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, the northern portion of mainland Palawan, including Calamian Islands, Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur , Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands.

PAGASA warned that there could be minimal to moderate risk of storm surge with peak heights of around 1.0 to 2.0 m above normal tide levels.

This could be experienced in the next 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Zambales.

In its tropical cyclone threat potential advisory, PAGASA said there is a high chance that a tropical cyclone will enter PAR in the next two weeks.

Source

The post ‘Kristine’ Set to Leave PAR on Friday, Storm Warnings Remain Active — PAGASA appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.