Met Office maps show where strongest Storm Éowyn winds will hit with gusts up to 98mph

Storm Éowyn could bring wind gusts of nearly 100mph to UK shores on Friday.

Three yellow weather alerts have been issued by the Met Office ahead of the storm's arrival. The weather system, set to bring disruptive conditions to much of the country, will hit the UK from Thursday night after deepening as it crosses the Atlantic.

By early Friday morning, wind speeds will have picked up across much of the UK, with heavy rainfall and some snow expected in some of the worst-affected areas.

The "very strong winds" associated with the fifth named storm of the season could cause power cuts, travel disruption and damage to buildings as Storm Éowyn threatens the country, according to the Met Office. There could also be a danger to life caused by flying debris.

Yellow weather warnings will come into force at midnight on Friday, covering much of the UK for 24 hours. The south west of England, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland are all covered by the warnings. The disruption is not expected to affect inland areas in the south east of the country, including London, but will hit the coast, with the warning extending to Brighton and Dover.

The highest wind gusts are likely to hit the north west of the UK, especially areas around the coast. According to the latest weather maps, gusts of up to 98mph are forecast around the islands on Scotland's west coast.

Weather maps show wind gusts of 98mph on the Isle of Coll, which is part of the Inner Hebrides. Neighbouring Tiree is forecast gusts of 96mph from around midday on Friday, while the Isle of Mull could see gusts of 97mph.

Areas around Northern Ireland could also see strong gusts, with up to 81mph forecast for Ballycastle and 74mph around Belfast. Coastal areas of the north west of England are expected to see wind gusts of around 65mph, with 68mph forecast for Barrow-in-Furness, 66mph in Blackpool and 62mph in Southport.

Areas further inland won't see quite such strong winds but there is still the possibility that they could cause some damage. In Manchester, maximum gusts of 53mph are likely, while Birmingham could see gusts of 49mph.

The wind strength is expected to ease gradually through Saturday from the south.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: "The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, north-western Wales and western Scotland, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas. There will also be some heavy rain, bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week."

The forecaster advised people in areas affected by strong winds to secure any loose items outside homes, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and sheds. In case of a power cut, it is also advised that households gather torches and batteries ahead of time.

Anyone who has to travel during the “disruptive spell of weather” is urged to be cautious on the roads. Rail services, airports and ferries are also likely to be affected by the conditions.