Met Office upgrades wind warning to amber as Storm Eunice looms
Forecasters say some coastal areas could see gusts of 90mph - 100mph
The Met Office has upgraded the weather warning for strong winds in some areas across the country to amber, as two named storms sweep towards the Northern Ireland
Forecasters have already warned Storm Eunice could pose a danger to life, with gusts of up to 80mph.
They say the gales are likely to cause "significant disruption" across the day on Friday 18th February.
The amber weather warning will be in force from 3am until 9pm.
We can expect large waves, flying debris, fallen trees, power cuts and damage to buildings, as well as travel disruption.
Strong winds will cross western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, pushing eastwards to northern England later in the day.
Wind gusts could reach up to 80mph in exposed coastal areas, with 60-70mph gusts possible further inland. A yellow warning for wind has been issued for much of central and northern areas of the UK, including Northern Ireland.
Within that is an amber warning for southern and western Scotland, the north coast of Northern Ireland and northern England, where the strongest and most disruptive winds are expected. It comes as the north of England braces for Storm Dudley on Wednesday, with strong winds and heavy rain.
What can we expect from the storms?
The Met Office says: "Storm Eunice may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds on Friday" and we can expect:
1) There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
2) Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
3) Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
4) There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
5) Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
6) It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “An active jet stream is helping to drive low-pressure systems across the country, with both storms set to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.
“Significant disruption is possible from both Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice with strong winds one of the main themes of the current forecast. The most impactful winds from Dudley will be in the north on Wednesday afternoon, as shown in the amber warning area. Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.”