Red warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland this Friday as the dangerous Storm Éowyn approaches the UK.
The rare wind warnings indicate a serious risk to life due to flying debris, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph (161 km/h) along exposed coasts.
Millions have been urged to stay indoors—schools in much of Scotland and all schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close, and citizens in both nations are advised not to venture outside.
The Met Office has also warned of potential damage to buildings, including roofs being blown off, and significant disruption to travel.
BBC Weather has noted that this could become the storm of the century for the Republic of Ireland.
In the UK, the Met Office warns that Storm Éowyn poses a significant risk to life and urges people to avoid travel wherever possible.
A red warning is the highest level of weather alert from the Met Office, signaling extremely dangerous conditions and urging the public to take protective action.
The red warning for all of Northern Ireland will be in effect from 07:00 GMT to 14:00 on Friday, impacting the morning rush hour. Bus and train services have been suspended across the country.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill urged people to expect an emergency phone alert this afternoon and advised only essential travel.
Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan explained that the decision to close schools was made to protect children from potential danger. Schools are advised to implement remote learning for the day.
As the storm progresses eastward, a red warning will be in effect across Scotland's central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney confirmed in Parliament that travel should be avoided in red-warning areas.
Schools across 18 Scottish local authorities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other major areas, will be closed on Friday. In Edinburgh, the Scottish Parliament will remain shut to all but essential staff due to the severe weather.
Across the UK winds will rapidly increase from west to east on Friday morning into the afternoon with peak gusts of 80-90mph (129-145km/h).
There will likely be a large number of trees blown over with widespread disruption to travel with roads badly affected, and flights, trains and ferries will be subject to cancellations.
Power cuts are also likely, some of which could last for a number of days.
Belfast City Airport warned there may be disruption to flights.
ScotRail has confirmed all rail services in Scotland will be suspended on Friday, adding that the closure was to ensure the safety of customers and staff.
Train operators Avanti, LNER, Lumo, CrossCountry, and Grand Central and Northern have also issued warnings not to travel in the north of England and north Wales on Friday.
The AA urged drivers travelling in red weather warning areas to consider whether a journey is necessary, and if not to postpone it.
"If you do need to travel, make sure you're prepared for what you may encounter. Expect to come across fallen branches and other debris on the roads, especially in rural areas," roadside technician Chris Wood said.
The Irish weather forecaster Met Éireann has issued blanket red weather warnings covering all of the country - with widespread gusts in excess of 80mph expected.
Forecaster Eoin Sherlock warned of "hurricane force winds", adding that gusts in coastal areas may even exceed these already "extraordinary" levels.
Meanwhile, an amber warning for wind is in place on Friday from 06:00 to 21:00, for the north of England, north Wales and Scotland's central belt.
Another amber warning warning for wind on Friday starts later at 13:00 to 06:00 on Saturday, for parts of Scotland.
However, the big change to the UK's weather begins on Thursday, as heavy rain and strong and gusty winds move across the country.
Parts of the south coast of England, South West and much of the Welsh coast are covered by a yellow weather warning for wind until 18:00 GMT on Thursday.
It is likely sea fronts will be affected by spray and large waves and power and travel disruption.
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