Storm Eowyn LIVE: UK braces for weather chaos as schools shut and trains cancelled over deadly 100mph winds
The Met Office issued a danger to life warning has been issued for Brits as Storm Eowyn barrels its way toward the country with 100mph winds expected in the worst-affected regions
by Anders Anglesey · The MirrorA rare red weather warning has been issued ahead of what could be the strongest storm to hit the country in decades.
The Met Office upgraded its amber warnings for Northern Ireland as well as central and south west Scotland amid forecasts that winds from Storm Eowyn could reach a staggering 100mph. Forecasters said it is extremely likely the storm would have a high impact on the affected regions on Friday.
Several locations, such as Newcastle and Carisle in northern England as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland could see the highest wind speeds. Futher south, cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff could be hit by winds of arounds 75-80mph.
Brits have been warned of a danger to life from flying debris as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal homes and roads. Drivers have been told conditions on the roads will be dangerous due to fallen trees.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney today told people to take the warning seriously. He added: "We have to be clear that people should not travel.
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17:38Anders Anglesey
NHS Lothian cancels procedures due to red weather warning
NHS Lothian has cancelled all routine, non-urgent planned procedures on Friday due to the red weather warning and postponed the majority of hospital outpatient appointments to protect patients and staff.
NHS Lanarkshire has also postponed all non-urgent appointments in hospital and community settings as a precaution.
Professor Caroline Hiscox, chief executive of NHS Lothian, said: “We apologise to the patients affected by these cancellations and will contact them to arrange alternative appointments as soon as possible.
“Teams across Lothian have helped put robust plans in place to ensure that urgent and emergency care is still available, and we are grateful to them for their dedication and resilience.”
Colin Lauder, deputy chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “As a result of the red weather warning, Police Scotland is advising the public not to travel in the affected areas between 10am and 5pm on Friday.
“We have therefore, unfortunately, had to take the decision to postpone all non-urgent outpatient clinics and appointments in the interests of safety.
“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and reassure patients that we will reschedule appointments at the earliest opportunity.
“We will review the position throughout Friday and will issue further guidance on our public website and social media.
“Our health and social care colleagues are working to ensure we keep people safe and maintain essential services.”
17:38Anders Anglesey
Police Scotland calls for people to avoid travel
Police Scotland said warned people to avoid travel to or through the affected areas on Friday. A red wind warning is in place for Friday.