By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - The number of homes and businesses without power in Ireland has surged to 725,000, according to the Electricity Supply Board Networks (ESB), as Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc across the region.
Despite the storm beginning to ease for much of the country, the national forecaster Met Eireann has warned that further outages may occur, with wind warnings still in place.
Authorities have described the storm as a “weather bomb,” bringing hurricane-force winds of up to 161 kilometers (100 miles) per hour, leading to dangerous conditions, major transport disruptions, and severe damage to buildings and infrastructure.
In Northern Ireland, power outages have risen dramatically, jumping from 93,000 to 240,000 homes and businesses affected.
With worsening conditions, Translink, a public corporation providing public transport in Northern Ireland, has announced the cancellation of all rail services for the rest of the day, warning that disruptions may extend into tomorrow.
Bus services are also expected to be impacted.
In Scotland, ScotRail has suspended all train services until at least midday on Saturday, citing uncertainty over the extent of damage to tracks and overhead lines.
With high winds toppling trees and debris across railway lines, Network Rail teams are working to assess the damage and begin emergency repairs.
Meanwhile, Police Scotland has ordered the closure of two major road bridges.
The Tay Bridge, connecting Dundee and Fife, has been closed in both directions due to extreme winds.
The A876 Clackmannanshire Bridge over the Forth has also been shut down, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area.
With roads largely deserted, officials continue to issue warnings urging people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.