Storm Eowyn has been “pretty exceptional” and was “probably the strongest storm” to hit the UK in at least 10 years, the Met Office has said. It was the most intense in “more like 20 or 30 years” for some parts of the country, forecasters added.

Storm Éowyn has been “pretty exceptional” and was “probably the strongest storm” to hit the UK in at least 10 years, the Met Office has said. A gust of 100mph was recorded at Drumalbin in South Lanarkshire in Scotland yesterday, and parts of Ireland saw the highest windspeeds since records began after they reached 114mph in Mace Head, Co Galway.

The Met Office has issued several warnings for wind, snow and rain across the whole of the UK as Storm Éowyn is expected to cause widespread disruption on Friday and Saturday

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.

Storm Éowyn is forecast to make landfall in Ireland late on Thursday before moving on to the rest of the UK on Friday according to Met Office models. The storm will bring gusts of 80mph to coastal areas and 60mph inland with potential for a danger to life caused by flying debris.

The forecaster said roads and railways were likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.

Where and when snow will hit UK today with serious ice weather warning affecting travel - The Met Office has issued a red warning across Northern Ireland and Scotland

Storm Éowyn is due to hit the UK and cause disruption this weekend - here's how you can track the storm and when to expect strong wind and heavy rain.