Thousands of people are without power and 45 schools will remain closed on Friday as Storm Éowyn brings severe gales. Several weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, including an amber warning for strong winds.

As Storm Éowyn hits the country on Friday, all 76 cities in the UK could face power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage, the Met Office said

"It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again. The wind strength will gradually ease across southern areas later on Friday."

As Storm Éowyn weakens and clears to the northeast of the UK, Saturday will remain a breezy day everywhere with strong winds persisting in the north. It will be drier for many, with showers replacing persistent heavy rain, these wintry in the north, especially over higher ground.

Winds of up to 100mph are forecast during Storm Éowyn with a large part of Scotland's central belt and the south west under a red "danger to life" weather warning. Police Scotland has activated "operation overflow" to support those who are now stranded after booking onto sea crossings,

Almost 40 schools will remain closed on Friday in Wales as Storm Éowyn brings severe gales. Several weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, with coastal gusts of up to 90mph (145km/h) forecast under an amber warning in parts of north Wales.

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

An amber weather warning covers large parts of Yorkshire as trains and flights are cancelled.

Forecasters have warned Storm Eowyn could be 'exceptionally dangerous' as the Met Office issued an upgraded amber weather warning for a large section of the UK on Friday. Amber and yellow weather warnings are in place for Friday into Saturday,

A yellow weather warning remains in place for strong winds today in London in the wake of Storm Éowyn. A yellow warning for wind is in place across large parts of the UK, including one for London today from 5am to 3pm.