Millions of Brits have been warned of 'exceptional' hurricane-force mph winds which will create chaos across the UK and cause travel disruption.
Hundreds of planes and thousands of trains have been cancelled, with a map revealing the path the extreme weather system will take as it batters the country. Nearly five million Brits received a government emergency alert on their phones this evening in the 'largest real life use of the tool to date'. The Met Office issued dire warnings for 'exceptional' hurricane-force winds, with the worst of Storm Eowyn expected to strike from the early hours of Friday across Scotland and Northern Ireland , where winds could reach up to mph.
Forecasters say flying debris could result in danger to life and 'very dangerous' driving conditions because of fallen trees. They have even warned pet owners to keep their dogs on leads amid fears they could be swept away by strong waves on the coast. Schools and childcare settings will be shut and people have been advised to remain indoors as Ireland prepares for one of the 'most dangerous storms' it has ever faced.
Members of the Defence Forces will also be on standby and will be deployed across the country where needed. Simon Harris, Ireland's deputy premier, said the storm would be 'dangerous' and 'destructive'.
The risk to life is extreme and real,' he said. A road sign displaying a red weather warning for Friday on Calder Road, Edinburgh.
