Millions get phone alert as Storm Éowyn closes in
Millions have received an emergency phone alert over the approaching Storm Éowyn, as schools and transport networks are due to shut and people asked to stay home in parts of the UK.
The worst disruption is due to hit Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland on Friday, where the Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings and forecast gusts of up to 100mph (161km/h) in some coastal areas.
The warnings for wind mean flying debris could cause a danger to life.
Alerts were sent to about 4.5 million people in at least 28 areas of both Scotland and Northern Ireland just before 18:00 GMT on Thursday.
BBC Weather says it could be the storm of the century for the Republic of Ireland.
In the UK, the Met Office warns it is very likely there will be a risk to life and people should avoid travelling in Storm Éowyn - pronounced AY-oh-win - where possible.
Red is the most serious weather warning the Met Office can issue, meaning dangerous weather is expected and people are urged to take action to keep themselves and others safe.
The Met Office warned people to expect damage to buildings and significant disruption to travel.
Emergency mobile alerts, like those issued on Thursday, make a sound even if a phone is on silent and this was the largest use of the tool so far.
They coincided with the timings of the most serious warnings, with 22 areas in Scotland and six in Northern Ireland due to receive them.
The red warning for the whole of Northern Ireland will be in force from 07:00 to 14:00 on Friday, affecting the morning rush hour. Bus and train services have also been suspended in the country.
First minister Michelle O'Neill told reporters people can expect to receive an emergency alert on their phone this afternoon and "only to travel where it's absolutely necessary".
Stormont education minister Paul Givan said the decision to advise schools to close was taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children.
"Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home," he said.
Then as the storm moves east, a red warning is in place across Scotland's central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00 to 17:00.
First Minister John Swinney announced in the Scottish Parliament people should not travel in areas covered by the red warning.
Schools in at least 20 local authorities - covering most of central Scotland - will be closed on Friday.
In Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament will also be shut to all but essential staff due to the severe weather warning.
Across the UK winds will rapidly increase from west to east on Friday morning into the afternoon with peak gusts of 80-90mph (129-145km/h).
There will likely be a large number of trees blown over with widespread disruption to travel with roads badly affected, and flights, trains and ferries will be subject to cancellations.
Power cuts are also likely, some of which could last for a number of days.
Belfast City Airport warned there may be disruption to flights.
ScotRail has confirmed all rail services in Scotland will be suspended on Friday, adding that the closure was to ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Train operators Avanti, LNER, Lumo, CrossCountry, and Grand Central, TransPennine Express and Northern have also issued warnings not to travel in the north of England and north Wales on Friday.
The AA urged drivers travelling in red weather warning areas to consider whether a journey is necessary, and if not to postpone it.
"If you do need to travel, make sure you're prepared for what you may encounter. Expect to come across fallen branches and other debris on the roads, especially in rural areas," roadside technician Chris Wood said.
The Irish weather forecaster Met Éireann has issued blanket red weather warnings covering all of the country - with widespread gusts in excess of 80mph expected.
Forecaster Eoin Sherlock warned of "hurricane force winds", adding that gusts in coastal areas may even exceed these already "extraordinary" levels.
The Isle of Man has also taken the rare step of issuing a red weather warning for "violent storm force winds" on Friday, with forecasts in the island in the Irish sea also expecting gusts of up to 85mph.
Meanwhile, an amber warning for wind is in place on Friday from 06:00 to 21:00, for the north of England, north Wales and Scotland's central belt.
Another amber warning warning for wind on Friday starts later at 13:00 to 06:00 on Saturday, for parts of Scotland.
However, the big change to the UK's weather begins on Thursday, as heavy rain and strong and gusty winds move across the country.
Parts of the south coast of England, South West and much of the Welsh coast are covered by a yellow weather warning for wind until 18:00 GMT on Thursday.
It is likely sea fronts will be affected by spray and large waves and power and travel disruption.
There are 11 UK warnings currently issued:
- red warning for wind for Northern Ireland from 07:00 until 14:00 on Friday
- red warning for wind for Scotland's central belt from 10:00 until 17:00 on Friday
- amber warning for wind across all of Scotland, north-east England, north-west England and Northern Ireland from 06:00 to 21:00 on Friday
- amber warning for wind across parts of Scotland from 13:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday
- yellow warning for wind across most of the country from midnight until 23:59 on Friday
- yellow warning for rain in parts of Wales, the South West and West Midlands from midnight to 09:00 on Friday
- yellow warning for wind in parts of the Midlands, east of England, London and South East England from 05:00 to 15:00 on Friday
- yellow warning for snow in parts of Scotland, in parts of the North East, North West from 06:00 until 23:59 on Friday
- yellow warning for wind in parts of Scotland from midnight until 15:00 on Saturday
- yellow warning for wind for the western side of England, all of Wales and Northern Ireland and south-west Scotland, from 08:00 until 15:00 on Sunday
- yellow warning for rain for the south-east and south-west, Wales, Midlands, East of England and North West from 08:00 on Sunday until 06:00 Monday
Storm Éowyn is the fifth named storm of the season. It has been caused by powerful jet stream winds pushing low pressure towards the UK and Ireland over the Atlantic Ocean - after a recent cold spell over North America.