Rail services and flights have been axed, with rare red weather warnings issued for Scotland and Northern Ireland as Storm Eowyn is likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts, the Met Office said.

The last time Scotland faced a red wind warning was in January 2024, when Storms Isha and Jocelyn delivered severe weather to the Highalnds and North East. Areas including Thurso, Wick, Elgin, Banff, Fraserburgh, and Peterhead were placed under the rare alert as the storms unleashed their fury.

Forecasters are issuing urgent warnings as Storm Eowyn approaches, bringing the potential for hazardous weather conditions across the UK and Ireland. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to batter the region on Thursday,