Storm forecasters say "a strong event cannot be ruled out" in the UK - with an explosive cyclogenesis caused by a major drop in air pressure bringing the "risk of a few tornados".

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, north-western Wales and western Scotland, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas.

Hurricane force winds posing danger to life have hit the UK, as millions of people have been urged to stay at home

With Storm Éowyn battering Britain, several social media users reacted to warnings issued by the Met Office, with comments ranging from fairly sane to absolutely nuts.

Ireland and Scotland were on high alert for a violent storm set to hit them on Friday, with schools ordered to close and trains cancelled. Forecasters warned wind speeds could top 130 kilometres (80 miles) an hour when Storm Eowyn hits from the Atlantic,

A ‘severe' tornado warning has been issued for the South of England as Storm Eowyn bears down on the UK. Storm research organisation, the European Storm Forecast Experiment (Estofex), has issued a statement today ahead of Friday’s storm – which has seen a yellow weather warning issued in Hampshire.