Severe Disruptions in Transportation and Logistics Expected to Continue
Ireland has been battered by the most powerful winds in its recorded history as Storm Eowyn makes its presence felt across the country. Early Friday morning, gusts of 183 kilometers per hour were measured near Galway on the Irish west coast, breaking the previous national record set in 1945.
The Irish meteorological institute, Met Éireann, has issued a red weather warning for the entirety of Ireland and Northern Ireland, labeling the storm as “extremely dangerous” with life-threatening conditions. These warnings extend to travel disruptions, as most trains in Ireland have been halted, schools are closed, and flights from major Scottish cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, have been canceled.
Severe Power Outages and IT Challenges
More than half a million homes, farms, and businesses have been left without power, with ESB Networks describing the damage to the grid as “unprecedented.” These power outages have impacted IT systems, potentially leading to delays in various operations, particularly in logistics and goods delivery.
Ripple Effects on Freight and Delivery
With travel restrictions in place, an accumulation of undelivered goods is expected, causing further strain on supply chains into next week. Friday’s disruptions are likely to cascade, resulting in delays that could extend beyond the immediate storm period.
We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation. LEMAN will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.