Storm Éowyn hits Ireland with hurricane-level winds but remains an extratropical cyclone

Storm Éowyn hit Ireland with wind gusts reaching 183 km/h, surpassing the previous record from 1945. Gusts of 159.8 km/h were also recorded in Co Clare. Average wind speeds were around 130 km/h early this morning. Despite the high wind speeds, Storm Éowyn is classified as an extratropical cyclone, not a hurricane. This is due to its formation location, more than 30 degrees from the equator, unlike hurricanes that form in tropical regions. Extratropical cyclones typically develop along cold fronts in winter, influenced by the jet stream. Storm Éowyn's characteristics align with this type of storm, despite its hurricane-like wind speeds.