Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are braced for one of the most intense storms in decades, with forecasters warning of extremely rare hurricane-force winds and a danger to life. The national forecasters for Ireland and the U.

A wind speed of 114mph brought by Storm Eowyn has been recorded in Ireland, the fastest since records began, forecaster Met Eireann said. Flights have been delayed, roads closed and ferry services cancelled across the UK as 100mph winds pose a danger to life in parts of the UK on Friday morning.

Schools are closed and millions have been told to stay inside as Storm Eowyn brings winds of over 100mph to Britain. A rare red weather warning is in place in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the Met Office warning of a significant risk to life posed by flying debris as well as damage to buildings and power lines.