Data from Ireland’s marine buoys around the coast confirm “the extraordinary strength of Storm Éowyn” with the biggest recorded wave off Co Cork at 20.15m high – “almost the length of a tennis court”.
The data on ocean weather conditions was released on Friday by the Marine Institute, which operates the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network with Met Éireann.
At 9am on Friday January 24th, the M3 buoy located 30 nautical miles (56km) off the Cork coast recorded a wave height of 20.15m. A wave height of 18.75 metres was recorded by the M4 buoy, located 45 nautical miles (83km) off the Donegal coast.
Although wave heights were not recorded at these locations, “the data buoys operated throughout unprecedented storm conditions and remained in position and have continued to report all parameters since the storm passed”, the institute said.
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Significant wind speeds were recorded off Co Galway as the storm approached the western seaboard. The Mace Head data buoy sustained winds of 114km/h and gusts up to 162km/h. The buoy at Lehanagh Pool in Connemara recorded speeds of 100km/h and gusts of 150km/h.
Though these were exceptional, the storm intensified on land with more destructive wind speeds and gusts.
“Despite the extreme conditions of Storm Éowyn, the data buoys withstood the intense weather, remained operational, and continued delivering crucial data,” said Marine Institute chief executive Dr Rick Officer.
“Data buoys provide real-time ocean and weather measurements that are critical for accurate weather predictions, supporting national emergency efforts, and ensuring public safety,” he added.
Real time data from the network of five buoys are at marine.ie/databuoy
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