Storm Eowyn: She’s here, She’s Feisty and She’s Not Playing Nice

Well, we’ve officially reached the “batten down the hatches and maybe tie them down again” stage.

The Met Office has pulled out the big red pen (rarely seen, usually dusty) and slapped us with a red weather warning, which is now in effect until 2pm.

Storm Eowyn is stomping her way across the Isle of Man like she owns the place, bringing winds that are literally one notch below a hurricane on the Beaufort scale. Yes, you read that right: Force 11, otherwise known as “we’ll take your wheelie bin and fling it halfway to Ireland.”

Travel Troubles:

• Roads: A bunch of them are closed or blocked by felled trees, so if you’re out and about (and most of us shouldn’t be because the Gov have told us all not to travel unless absolutely necessary), expect a magical mystery tour of detours.
• Mountain Road: Closed, of course.
• Bus Services: No wheels on that bus until at least 2pm. Better get those wellies out if you need to pop to the shops!
• Sailings: All cancelled, so no chance of cruising away from the chaos.
• Flights: Some are cancelled and the airport’s locked up until 4pm – so you’re basically stuck here, sharing the experience with the rest of us.

An obligatory lamppost down in Peel (Photo: John Watterson)

What’s Shut?

• Schools: Closed. Cue the collective cheer from kids and a groan from parents.
• Clear Pharmacy: All branches shut until at least later this afternoon, so stock up on those tissues for your tears (or the sniffles).
• Other Businesses: A fair few have their shutters firmly down. Let’s just say if you can’t see it open, it’s probably closed.

So, How Bad Is It?

The Met Office says we could experience average winds of 45-55mph with gusts hitting 80-85mph – especially around our more exposed bits of coastline and higher ground. Think gale-force hairdryer in your face, but more annoying and far less stylish. They’re warning of widespread disruption and potential damage, which is hardly shocking when you see half a tree on your bonnet.

The Government was also quick to remind everyone to stay safe and tie down basically anything that isn’t nailed to the ground (including your Auntie’s collection of garden gnomes). They’ve also opened up the free sandbag bonanza for anyone living in those low-lying, wave-battered spots.

As for us, we’re glued to the windows, waiting to see if anyone tries to open an umbrella in this madness (spoiler: not advised). Stay safe, folks! We’ll bring you updates as Storm Eowyn continues to huff, puff, and hopefully not blow our little island down.

For the full Government updates, check out their social media (assuming you have power and data). We’ll keep you posted on bus, flight, and ferry news as soon as we hear more… assuming we don’t get blown away first.