DATA BUOYS PROVIDE CRITICAL OCEAN DATA DURING STORM ÉOWYN

Data buoys provide critical ocean data during Storm Éowyn. As Storm Éowyn approached Ireland on Friday 25^th January 2025, the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network, managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann, collected data on ocean weather conditions. These measurements confirm the extraordinary strength of Storm Éowyn. The long-term collection of ocean weather data is critical to the performance of weather forecast models.

During Storm Éowyn at 9am, Friday 25^th January 2025, the M3 buoy located 30 nautical miles (56km) off the Cork coast recorded a wave height of 20.15 metres – almost the length of a tennis court (23.7 metres). A wave height of 18.75 metres was recorded by the M4 buoy, located 45 nautical miles (83km) off the Donegal coast. Although not record wave heights at these locations, the data buoys operated throughout unprecedented storm conditions. The data buoys remained in position and have continued to report all parameters since Storm Éowyn passed.

The M3 and M4 data buoys are part of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network, a network of five observing buoys located in the seas around Ireland. The data buoys collect weather and ocean data including wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, air and sea surface temperature, and wave statistics. This information is vital for improving weather forecasts, as well as providing data for operational ocean models, shipping bulletins, gale and swell warnings, and scientific research including climate change.

Significant wind speeds were recorded by Marine Institute data buoys located off the Galway coast as Storm Éowyn arrived on the morning of Friday 25^th January 2025. The Mace Head data buoy sustained winds of 114km/h and gusts up to 162km/h. The data buoy at Lehanagh Pool in Connemara recorded wind speeds of 100km/h and gusts of 150km/h.

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network plays a vital role in forecasting weather events, particularly during severe storms like Storm Éowyn.

“Data buoys provide real-time ocean and weather measurements that are critical for accurate weather predictions, supporting national emergency efforts, and ensuring public safety. Despite the extreme conditions of Storm Éowyn, the data buoys withstood the intense weather, remained operational, and continued delivering crucial data.”

“The ongoing collaboration between the Marine Institute and Met Éireann, ensures that the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network remains a reliable and vital resource for weather forecasting and maritime safety, as well as a critical support for scientific research,” Dr Officer added.

The Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann. Real time data observations for the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network, are available at marine.ie/databuoy