Ryanair and Jet2 issue major ‘disruption’ warning as Storm Eowyn brings ‘danger to life’ and tornado alert
Airlines Ryanair and Jet2 have issued urgent warnings ahead of a Met Office red weather warning and tornado alert hitting the United Kingdom in the form of Storm Eowyn.
The weather service has warned that a red weather warning is in place across the UK on Friday (24 January), starting from 7am.
Amber and yellow warnings also cover the country, with danger to life very much a real threat as a result of flying debris.
"Very strong winds associated with Storm Eowyn causing very dangerous conditions with widespread disruption and significant impacts expected," the Met Office warns ahead of the extreme weather hitting.
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Met Office weather warnings
With eight weather warnings in place on Friday (24 January), it is going to be a day in which the entire UK is battered by wind and rain.
"Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties," the Met Office states.
The worst hit will be Northern Ireland and Scotland, where two red warnings for wind are in place. Driving is not advised due to 'very dangerous' conditions.
All trains across Scotland will be suspended and 16 councils have said schools will close in the country, according to The Independent. Scotland's warning is in place from 10am to 5pm, according to Traffic Scotland, while Northern Ireland's from 7am to 2pm.
Amber wind warnings are also in place across Scotland, northern England and northern Wales. On Saturday (25 January), amber and yellow wind warnings remain in placer across Scotland.
Sunday (26 January) will see Brits in Wales and souther and middle England hit with yellow wind and rain warnings, with the rain warning continuing in to Monday.
Jet2 and Ryanair warnings
Given the state of the weather and flight paths across the UK, disruption is expected at airports on Friday.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said 'airports are keeping the situation under review' with only 'essential travel' stressed.
Jet2 has told its passengers flying out or returning to the UK to prepare for potential disruption.
It said (via GB News): "Our operations team are closely monitoring the UK forecast to ensure we have the most up to date information for all Jet2.com departing and arriving customers on Friday.
“The Met Office has warned that there will be stormy conditions, at times, in parts of the UK from Friday and into the weekend.
“If you are travelling with Jet2.com we plan to operate our flights as close to schedule as possible, unless advised, however, there may be some disruption should the weather deteriorate.”
The airline added: "We will, where possible, board all flights for an on-time departure, however, please be prepared for a longer than normal wait either in the terminal or onboard the aircraft to depart. Jet2.com would like to apologise in advance for any disruption you may experience. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority, we will have you on the way as soon as possible."
Ryanair also said it 'regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair's control'.
"Passengers travelling to and from the UK on Wednesday, January 22 should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight." they said.
A genuine tornado warning?
Earlier today the European Storm Forecast Experiment issued what it calls a level two alert.
According to the service, this brings the possibility of 'severe wind gusts with a few tornado events possible'.
A spokesperson said: "A strong event cannot be ruled out."
Tom Earnshaw