Europe’s first named storm of the year, Storm Éowyn, is approaching the continent, though Ireland appears likely to escape the worst impacts. Named by Météo-France, the storm is forecast to primarily affect parts of Britain and northern France while tracking south of Ireland.
Met Éireann forecaster Linda Hughes explained that the storm’s southerly trajectory means it will mainly impact southern parts of the UK and France. “The storm is tracking south of Ireland, passing through the south of Ireland. So it will really affect the southern parts of the UK and France,” Hughes stated. She added that only a northward shift in the storm’s path would bring significant impacts to Ireland, which currently appears unlikely.
Some effects may still reach Ireland’s southern regions. Strong winds are possible along parts of the south coast, and Hughes noted potential disruptions to ferry services operating in affected waters. Ireland will experience unsettled weather on Thursday with a chance of rain in southern areas, though forecasters emphasize the storm is not expected to cause significant damage to the country.
Storm Éowyn is forecast to move eastward on Thursday, bringing heavy snow and strong winds to southern England, south Wales, and northern France. The UK Health Security Agency has extended amber cold health alerts across England until Sunday afternoon in anticipation of the storm’s arrival, which coincides with an unusually cold period across Europe.
The storm arrives amid severe winter conditions affecting much of the continent. At least six people have died in France and the Balkans in cold-related incidents. Hundreds of flights were cancelled at major Paris airports due to weather conditions. Eastern Europe has been particularly hard hit by the cold snap, with schools and facilities closing in Scotland following heavy snowfall.
Ireland remains in the grip of cold weather, with forecasters predicting the chill will continue for several more nights. Hughes confirmed that Met Éireann is closely monitoring Storm Éowyn’s track for any changes that could affect Ireland’s outlook.
The storm represents the first significant weather system of 2026 for Europe, testing emergency preparedness systems and highlighting the ongoing challenges of winter weather management across the continent.