As Storm Éowyn wreaks havoc across the country, one Northern Irish woman has opened up about her fears after winds woke her up at 6am this morning (January 24).
Cheryl Smith, from Carrickfergus took to TikTok soon afterwards, describing the situation in the area as "absolutely terrifying" and the noise and chaos "unreal". Over 93,000 homes and businesses across the country are already without power amid the ongoing red weather warning.
The PSNI has declared a major incident and said they expect the strongest winds in the region since the Boxing Day storm in 1998 which caused widespread disruption. Regarding the red alert, the Met Office added: "Very strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn causing very dangerous conditions with widespread disruption and significant impacts expected."
Cheryl recorded footage from within her property, as she she confessed: "I am absolutely bricking it. Can you hear the rattling in my house, never mind outside?" She then braved here back garden as she told her followers the storm's peak was still an hour away.
With the wind clearly audible on her recording, Cheryl showcased her plants taking a battery as she descended into darkness. "Holy c**p, I can't even walk forward, I can't even walk," she added, pointing the camera at her windswept face.
Facing her home, Cheryl continued: "I'm terrified for our glass windows." She then returned to her platform at 7am with a second video, which revealed she'd lost power to her property.
"The wind is howling and has definitely picked up - this is the worst I've seen it since we lived here," she said. "The waves are getting bigger, it's really, really scary - I have never experienced wind or rain like this."
Cheryl added in a caption: "Stuff is flying everywhere and it’s not letting up! Stay safe out there!" Although grateful for her clips, her followers urged her to seek shelter inside. One person commented: "Thanks for posting updates. A bit worried about you going outside. Maybe send updates from inside… just thinking of your safety."
A second added: "Cheryl go back in, it’s too dangerous." A third agreed: "Get inside! Why would you do that? You’re endangering yourself from any flying debris, or being swept off your feel and injuring yourself."
Meanwhile, a fellow Northern Irish TikTok user warned: "My locked windows have ripped open, I’ve them tied with shoe laces. My patio doors sound next too."
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English (United States) ·