Storm Eowyn: Power cut warning in all 76 UK cities as 'danger to life' 100mph winds hit

As Storm Éowyn hits the country on Friday, all 76 cities in the UK could face power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage, the Met Office said

All 76 cities in the UK could face power cuts, loss of mobile phone signal and travel disruption as Storm Éowyn hits the country.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings across the entirety of the UK, including two rare red warnings for winds which could pose a danger to life. One of the red warnings is in force in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday.

A second red warning has been issued western and central areas of Scotland between 10am and 5pm. Forecasters have warned that "very strong winds" associated with the storm are likely to cause "very dangerous conditions and significant disruption" which include flying debris, large waves, power cuts, damage to buildings and homes, as well as delays on the road and to public transport.

Gusts of 80 to 90mph are expected widely inland in the warning areas, with speeds of up to 100mph likely along coasts, the forecaster said. Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "We reserve the issuing of Red warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.

"While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular."

Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. Winds reaching 60 to 70mph will be widespread in these warning areas.

There is also a yellow wind warning covering most of the UK for the entirety of Friday. Smaller yellow warnings for snow in Scotland, from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am.

UK Power Networks and National Grid have issued warnings to customers, with UK Power Networks urging people to "stay well clear from power lines" which may come down during the storm and report any damage to power lines immediately. SP Energy Networks, which covers areas in Wales, England and Scotland say they have mobilised "hundreds of engineers, vehicles, generators and equipment to where they're likely to be needed most".

RAC Breakdown advised motorists in warnings areas to stay safe by parking away from trees, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, avoid coastal routes and watch out for debris. Some 4.5 million people received emergency alerts on their phones warning of the incoming storm in the "largest real life use of the tool to date" on Thursday.

Further amber and yellow weather warnings for wind and rain have also been issued across Saturday and Sunday. Mr Gundersen described Storm Éowyn as "a multi-hazard event" that will bring snow to some areas, rain across many parts of the country and strong winds for much of the UK.

Looking ahead at next week, much of the country will face unsettled conditions, the Met Office said. The long-range forecast from January 28 to February 6 reads: "On Tuesday another widely unsettled day is expected with showers or some longer spells of rain, but also some drier and brighter interludes. Still windy but less so than over the previous few days.

"Through the rest of the period the strongest winds and heaviest rain will tend to move to the northwestern UK while the south may see more in the way of drier weather. Temperatures overall are likely to end up being around or slightly above average, though wind and rain will make it feel chilly, and brief cool spells with some overnight frost are likely between weather systems."

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

Storm Éowyn will bring dangerous winds to Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland throughout today with heavy rain at times. After a wet and windy start further south, winds easing and becoming largely dry.

Tonight:

Destructive winds continuing in Northern Ireland and Scotland, especially in the far north, along with heavy downpours. Generally drier in the south. A colder night with frost in places.

Saturday:

Remaining very windy in northern Scotland and still blustery in western coastal regions. Sunshine for many but heavy showers in the north and west, these spreading eastwards later.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Another wet and windy spell on Sunday with gales and heavy rain possible in places. Remaining changeable and often windy on Monday and Tuesday with showers.