North West engineers bracing for Storm Eowyn amid warning of 90mph winds
Electricity North West said power cuts are possible, while TransPennine Express is asking travellers not to use trains
The north west is braced for strong winds, rain and snow as Storm Eowyn is set to batter the UK with gusts of up to 90mph on the way.
Meteorologists are warning of a risk to life on Friday as the fifth named storm of the season arrives.
Electricity North West said it had hundreds of engineers ready to respond to possible power cuts.
Forecasters predict the worst of the wind will happen on Friday, when the storm arrives bringing rain and even snow over higher ground in northern England.
The whole country is covered by at least one yellow weather warning on Friday, with warnings for snow, wind and rain in place.
The strongest winds are due to hit the north of England, south of Scotland and North Wales, where an amber wind warning is in place from 6am to 9pm on Friday - but the south of the country will also be affected.
Gusts of up to 90mph are more likely to be found along the more exposed coastal areas, while winds of between 60 to 70mph are expected inland.
The Met Office has advised people to secure loose items outside homes as there could be a danger to life caused by flying debris.
Mike Silverstone, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: "Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday.
"There are currently a number of weather warnings in place, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.
"Storm Eowyn is expected to cross Northern Ireland early on Friday morning.
"It will then continue north-east across the northern half of Scotland during Friday afternoon and is expected to be centred near Shetland during Friday evening."
National Highways, which operates motorways and major A roads in England, has urged motorists in the North West, North East and Yorkshire to plan for disruption on Friday.
It has warned of "a particularly high risk" that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over.
Chris Wood, a roadside technician at the AA, said: "First and foremost drivers should consider if their journey is necessary or consider waiting until the storm has passed.
"If you need to travel, choose main roads if you can, as these are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris."
"Alternative travel options will be limited due to the nature of the weather."
TransPennine Express is among rail operators urging customers not to travel on Friday.
A yellow warning for rain has also been issued across much of Wales and south west England, where as much as 60mm could be seen over high ground, which may result in some flooding.
More than 10 flood alerts are in place for England on Thursday.
By Saturday, the strongest winds will have dropped for most of the country, but Storm Eowyn will continue to bring gusty weather to Scotland on Saturday, with a yellow warning in place from 12am until 3pm.
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