More than four million to receive emergency alert as UK braced for Storm Eowyn
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More than four million people across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland are to receive emergency alerts on their phones in the “largest real life use of the tool to date”, the Government said. The emergency alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in areas covered by a red weather warning for wind and guidance on how to stay safe, a Cabinet Office spokesperson said on Thursday.
It comes as forecasters warned Storm Eowyn could bring winds of up to 100mph in areas affected by the rare weather alert across Scotland, Northern Ireland and north Wales on Friday. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue emergency alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
“Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. “Approximately 4.5 million people will receive the emergency alert in the largest real life use of the tool to date.”.
Rail services have been axed, schools forced to close and people told not to travel as the UK braces for the “threat to life” red weather warnings. Red weather warnings have been issued for wind in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday, and for western and central areas of Scotland between 10am and 5pm.
