Government ministers will hold an emergency Cobra meeting after the Met Office issued a rare “red” weather warning – its most severe alert – in south Wales and southwest England, amid fears the approaching Storm Eunice could be among the UK’s worst in 30 years.
Forecasters fear strong winds could hit 100mph in some parts of the country and may endanger lives, tear roofs from houses and bring down power lines, with some meteorologists likening their spread and power to those seen during the infamous Burns Day Storm in 1990.
The storm on Friday is expected to potentially bring blizzard conditions further north and will hit just days after Storm Dudley saw winds and rain sweep Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland, knocking out power for tens of thousands and bringing trains to a standstill.
Rail networks across the country have urged people not to travel on Friday if possible amid limited service in some areas, while school closures have been announced across Swansea and in Devon.
Schools and non-essential council services will close in Swansea the city council leader has said. In Devon four schools will also close tomorrow.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders has warned that the approaching storm will be “one of the most impactful” in years.
He said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.
“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.
“Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”
