Storm Éowyn in Shropshire: Families hit by power cut and flood alert issued

Scottish Power has reported powercuts in Oswestry, Whitchurch, Wem and across the border in Powys since around 5am today (Friday, January 24). 

It's unknown how many properties have been affected in total. National Grid is reporting that three properties near Ditton Priors are also without power.

Scottish Power's live power cut map said: "Storm Eowyn has caused damage to our electricity network. Engineers are currently assessing the damage and when it is safe to commence repairs will make every effort to restore supplies as quickly as possible by 9.03pm."

Gusts of 70mph have been recorded at Lake Vyrnwy in Powys.

The West Midlands is facing strong winds and rain due to the storm. 

In Birmingham flights to Scotland and Ireland have been cancelled.

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West Midlands Railway has also warned that disruption to its services is possible.

A post said: "Due to the impending storm, services will be liable to short term disruptions and cancellations.

"Please take extra caution when travelling and leave more time before setting off."

Meteorologists warned of a risk to life on Friday as the fifth named storm of the season arrives. 

Disruption similar to that caused by Storm Darragh in December is expected, and a yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for the region by the Met Office. 

A wind speed of 114mph was recorded in Ireland, the fastest since records began, forecaster Met Eireann said this morning.

A flood alert has also been issued for the Tern and Perry catchments.

Residents have been told that 'flooding is possible' in the region with river levels expected to rise.

Flooding could affect low-lying roads between Wolverley and Newport, and in Market Drayton, Wem and Rodington. 

The warning issued at 5.04pm on Thursday said: "River levels are forecast to rise at the Tern - Walcot river gauge as a result of Storm Eowyn. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible overnight and into tomorrow (January 24). We expect flooding to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Wolverley to Newport. Other locations that may be affected include Market Drayton, Wem and Rodington. Flooding of properties is not forecast at this point.

"Further rainfall is forecast over the next 48 hours. We expect river levels to remain high in the coming days.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and or Local Authorities."