Rare red ‘danger to life’ warnings issued
bbc news
Getty ImagesDangerous Storm Eowyn is heading towards the UK on Friday, with red warnings in place for parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland.
A rare gust warning means flying debris could pose a threat to life, with gusts reaching 100 mph (161 kph) along some exposed coasts.
The Met Office warned people to expect roofs to be blown off buildings and severe disruption to travel.
A yellow alert was also issued for parts of Scotland and northern England on Friday. The rest of the country is under at least a yellow warning as Eowyn brings strong winds, rain and snow.
this Red alert across Northern Ireland It will take effect from 07:00 to 14:00 on Friday, affecting the morning rush hour.
Then, as the storm moved eastward, A red warning has been issued for central Scotland. Including Glasgow and Edinburgh from 10:00 to 17:00.
Winds will increase rapidly from morning to afternoon, with peak gusts reaching 80-90 mph (129-145 km/h).
A large number of trees are likely to be blown down, roads will be severely affected, there will be widespread disruption to travel, and flights, trains and ferries will be cancelled.
Power outages may also occur, some of which may last several days.
The Met Office has warned that this is likely to be life-threatening and people should avoid traveling if possible.
BBC Weather said it could be the storm of the century for the Republic of Ireland.
Met Éireann, the Irish forecaster, has issued a red weather warning covering the entire Republic of Ireland, saying there are widespread wind gusts in excess of 80mph.
Structural damage and widespread disruptions to transportation and power are certain.
Meanwhile, a yellow wind warning will be in effect across northern England, north Wales and central Scotland from 06:00 to 21:00 GMT on Friday.
Train operators Avanti, LNER, Lumo and Northern have issued warnings not to travel in northern England and north Wales on Friday.
However, a dramatic change in UK weather began on Thursday, with heavy rain and strong gusty winds sweeping across the country.
Parts of England’s south coast, the southwest and much of the Welsh coast will be affected by a yellow weather warning for high winds until 18:00 GMT on Thursday.
The waterfront is likely to be affected by breakers, large swells and power and travel disruptions.
Storm Eowyn will start affecting the UK early on Friday, first bringing winds and heavy rainfall in the south-west of the country, before quickly spreading north-east to the rest of the UK.
Snow is also possible in Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of the north.
The yellow warning issued on Friday is for:
- 05:00 to 15:00 Windy in parts of the Midlands, eastern England, London and southeast England
- Rainfall in parts of Wales, South West and West Midlands from midnight to 09:00
- Winds blow across most parts of the country from midnight to 23:59
- Snow in parts of Scotland, the North East and North West from 03:00 to 12:00
Storm Eowen is the fifth named Storm this season.
