Powerful storm Eowyns surge record

STORM Eowyn generated the highest storm surges ever recorded at key locations on Ireland's western seaboard, a research team at University of Galway has revealed.

- BY CATE MCCURRY

Researchers found that if Storm Eowyn had hit a few hours earlier, Galway could have faced record high winds as well as record high flooding but it escaped high water levels as the storm coincided with a low tide.

By analysing sea level information from 47 databases provided by the Irish National Tide Gauge Network and the Office of Public Works, the team based at the university's School of Engineering has highlighted the unprecedented power of the storm's surge - more than 2.5 metres above the mean sea level.

Storm Eowyn, one of the most powerful storms to hit Ireland in recent years, also saw record-breaking winds.

The highest gust recorded was 184km/h, with the highest 10-minute wind speed reaching 142 km/h at Mace Head Atmospheric Research Station in Co Galway.