'I have a 200-year-old house – I'm taking key steps to protect from Storm Eowyn'

A woman in the Scottish Highlands revealed how she prepares for storms (stock image) (Image: Getty)

With weather warnings in place across the UK, one woman has prepared for the worst and done all she can to protect her 200-year old home.

According to the Met Office, Storm Eowyn is likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, causing "widespread disruption" to travel. The storm hit Ireland at 2am on Friday morning (January 24) before making its way across the Irish Sea.

"I am really worried about Storm Eowyn," admitted TikTok user Highland Girly, who, as the name suggests is based in the Scottish Highlands. "I'm going to show you what I have done to prepare. I'm praying the roof holds out as this house has been here 200 years."

She began her video by revealing her log store to "keep the fire going" should the property suffer a power cut. The previous storm in the area brought flooding to her home with it, and so learning from that experience, Highland Girly has pumps at the ready in preparation for water damage to her home.

"We are also charging all of our power banks so we can keep using our phones," she continued, before showcasing a series of battery-powered LED candles positioned around the house which are a "great source of light".

Camping lights and torches followed, before Highland Girly revealed her husband Brian's extensive stock of batteries, neatly stored in a case ready for prolonged powerless periods. "I also have a portable stove and a toaster," she added. "So if we lose electricity, we will still have gas - I always keepplenty of gas in stock so I can still prepare meals."

Highland Girly also has a kettle for the stove too, such is her "love of a cup of tea", and has ensured she has several lighters full of fluid should the need to light candles arise. "I think we're all prepared now," she closed.

"It's going to be a long night and the forecast isn't great, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it's not going to be as bad as they say it's going to be. Let's hope it doesn't keep us up all night like the last storm."

The video has been viewed more than 75,000 times with hundreds of TikTok users wishing Highland Girly the best of luck. "Hope for the best while expecting the worst," one person responded. "Better to be prepared and not need to worry."

"Amber [warning] in the Hebrides, sand bags are out," a second said. "My roof will not last this." Highland Girly replied: "Oh no that’s my worry – we flood here too, comes up from septic tank and off the fields. My old cottage might not withstand it. Let me know how it goes stay safe."

A third person felt inspired: "This makes me think I need to be more prepared as there probably be more storms if they playing with our weather I ordered a gas cooker today. Thanks for this video." Whilst a fourth added: "I'm in Belfast. Gets rough here every winter. Let's hope there is no life lost. Stay safe. I pray your roof stays intact. At least you are very well prepared."

The Met Office has issued red wind warnings for Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday and for western and central regions of Scotland from 10am to 5pm. Forecasters predicted gusts ranging from 80 to 90mph across inland areas within the warning zones, with coastal regions potentially facing blasts up to 100mph.

Amber wind warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, northern England, and north Wales from 6am to 9pm on Friday, with the northern half of Scotland under alert from 1pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday.