STORM Eunice is a threat to life so severe that the Met Office has been forced to issue a rare RED weather warning.
A severe wind warning covering 90% of the country -including the whole of England and Northern Ireland – is in place as Eunice strikes.
The Met Office's red alert means there is a danger to life from flying debris caused by the strong winds.
They say "uprooted trees" are likely and roads, bridges and railway lines will be forced to close, sparking travel chaos.
Eunice will hit just hours after another storm, Dudley, unleashes havoc with dangerously strong winds later today.
The Government has called an emergency Cobra meeting for later today to hammer out a plan of action for the two freak storms lashing Britain.
Read our weather live blog for the latest news and forecasts…
- Louis Allwood
What is a red weather warning?
The Met office have released a red weather warning for tomorrows storm Eunice.
The red warning means that the winds will cause dangerous weather and you should start taking action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather.
It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.
- Louis Allwood
Have an action plan
It might sound melodramatic, but when the bad weather hits, do you have somewhere to go should you need to evacuate your home?
Hannah advises: "Consider having a directory of contacts, such as power providers, water suppliers, as well as local family or friends nearby who you can call on should your home be damaged by a storm."
Ahead of the storm hitting, fully charge your laptop and mobile phone, as well as any external chargers you have, in case of a power cut.
- Louis Allwood
Many warned to check chimneys
It's easy to overlook, but Ross recommends giving your chimney a once-over while you're at it.
He says: "In heavy rain, water can leak in through the exposed parts of your chimney, trickling down through your home and causing water damage to walls, paint and wallpaper.
"Make sure that any lead flashing or pointing and mortar is in good condition, and healthy enough to last all winter."
- Louis Allwood
BREAKING: Emergency Cobra TODAY on Storm Dudley and Eunice
An emergency Cobra meeting has been summoned to hammer out a plan of action to the freak storms lashing Britain.
Storm Dudley is wreaking havoc on swathes of the country – but ministers fear the worst is yet to come as Storm Eunice thunders in tomorrow.
Government crisis frontman Michael Ellis will gather top officials in Whitehall this morning to stop further destruction.
Storm Dudley last night left homes and cars wrecked with 100mph gales – with Brits waking up this morning to debris in their gardens.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for parts of the UK on Friday and said there could be "flying debris resulting in danger to life".
The warning has been issued along the coastline of Devon and Cornwall as well as the south coast of Wales due to extremely strong winds.
- Louis Allwood
Storm Dudley brought some very strong winds yesterday
The Met Office have released their recordings for yesterdays storm.
Winds reached a staggering 81mph yesterday in Capel Curig, a village in Wales, and there are more storms set to batter the UK.
Forecasters have warned that this weekend’s storm could be the worst in 30 years, with gales stronger than on Burns Day in 1990 when speeds reached 107mph.
- Louis Allwood
Clean out the gutters to help drainage
It's not a particularly nice job, but checking your guttering is clear before a storm hits can really help prevent potentially extensive damage to walls.
It can also make them heavy, making them more prone to dislodging from the wall.
Jenny Turner, a manager at Insulation Express says: "If it is safe to do so, it is advisable to check gutters and pipes outside of the home to ensure that they are clear.
"A build-up of dead leaves, moss and other debris can cause the gutters to overflow during heavy rain fall, which can affect the walls of the property and damage external plasterwork."
- Louis Allwood
Inspect your garden before the storm hits
Ahead of bad weather, Hannah Isitt, GoCompare’s home insurance expert, recommends tying down anything likely to fall or be blown away, like garden furniture, wheelie bins or plants.
If you have any ladders or equipment propped up or lying around, take care to move them to a more sheltered place – ideally a shed, if you have one – to avoid them becoming damaged or causing it.
If you have contents out in the open, like chairs or plant pots, these could be covered in your insurance policy if they break.
Hannah explains: “With some items it’s just not practical to move them inside, so a number of insurance providers will cover contents that are left out in the open, like sun loungers and plants.
"In order to qualify for a claim though, you might have to take what they deem as ‘reasonable steps’ to protect the items yourself.
"This might include securing items to the ground and using covers.”
- Louis Allwood
Brits told DON’T TRAVEL ahead of 100mph Storm Eustice
BRITS have been told not to travel ahead of Storm Eustice – with trains services cancelled and snow and heavy rain due to hit roads.
Forecasters have warned that this weekend’s storm could be the worst in 30 years, with gales stronger than on Burns Day in 1990 when speeds reached 107mph.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind covering all of the south of England – and stretching as far north as Blackpool.
It's in place between 3am and 9pm on Friday – and will heavily disrupt travel.
National rail are warning that passengers should not travel between these times because of the likelihood that trees will be blocking the lines.
Meanwhile London North East Railway (LNER) are warning customers with tickets for journeys between York and Leeds and London King's Cross tomorrow to move them to today instead due to expected disruption and damage.
- Louis Allwood
Damaging winds tomorrow
Londoners will face heavy rain tomorrow which will clear early on, and showers or longer spells of rain following.
Winds will quickly increase, becoming very strong and potentially disruptive due to Storm Eunice.
People travelling are advised to be prepared for delays.
Dry and clearer later in the day with maximum temperature 11 °C.
- Louis Allwood
UK forecast for today and tonight
Sunny spells and showers, these mainly in the north and west with some snow on hills.
Strong and gusty winds gradually easing during the day. Rain reaching the far southwest towards evening.
Wintry showers becoming confined to northern Scotland.
Cloud and rain in the southwest moving quickly northwards, turning to snow in the north. Storm force winds developing in the southwest later.
- Louis Allwood
Revellers STILL hit the town despite storm fears
Storm Dudley left homes and cars wrecked with 100mph gales – but brave revellers still hit the town.
Wild winds tore the roof of a house, crushed a car with bricks and upended trees.
Meteorologists have warned of flying debris and huge waves, while drivers are urged to consider staying at home.
But shocking pictures show scantily clad Nottingham Trent uni revellers out on the lash in revealing fancy dress – despite thrashing winds and the threat of snow.
- Louis Allwood
Storm causes disaster
Snaps from last night in the North show a car completely crushed by a pile of bricks in Salford, Greater Manchester.
The bricks were blown off a nearby house by the gale-force winds.
Meanwhile in Eccles, also in Salford, emergency services were scrambled to a residential street after winds blasted a ROOF off a house.
And in Kilwinning, Scotland, a tree crashed through a railway power line after being ripped from its roots by gusts of powerful wind.
- Louis Allwood
Amber warning for south of England
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind covering all of the south of England – and stretching as far north as Blackpool.
It's in place between 3am and 9pm on Friday.
However it now looks as though most of southern Britain will be put under a “red” weather warnings by the Met Office, meaning “widespread danger to life from flying debris”.
Forecasters say Eunice will wreak havoc after Storm Dudley brought 90mph gusts across northern England, north Wales, Northern Ireland and the Scottish Border.
The Met Office says "very strong and disruptive" winds are due.
- Louis Allwood
Storm Dudley: Worst storm in 30 years
Millions could be facing the UK’s worst “red warming” storm in 30 years from tomorrow in the second storm to hit Britain in a week.
It comes after storm Dudley last night left homes and cars wrecked with 100mph gales – with Brits up and down the country this morning waking up to debris in their gardens.
But this weekend's Storm Eunice could be even worse – with forecasters saying it could be the strongest storm since Burns Day in 1990 when wind speeds reached 107mph in Aberporth, Wales.
Met Office forecaster Becky Mitchell told The Mirror: "With the wind gusts we are forecasting at the moment, we've only seen a handful of storms in the past 30 years that have brought similar gusts.
"It's got the potential to be up there as quite a notable storm."
- Louis Allwood
Danger to life warning for ALL of England
AMBER danger to life warnings have been issued across the UK this week as storms Eunice and Dudley blast in with 11 inches of snow and 100mph winds.
Meteorologists have warned of flying debris and huge waves, while drivers are urged to consider staying at home.
They say the forecast is "worrying" – with all signs pointing to the storm on Friday being a "very damaging and disruptive event" for southern and central parts in particular.
Significant snowfall is expected from the Midlands northwards, as well as in northern parts of Wales.
There'll also be blizzards in Scotland.
The Met Office has now issued an amber warning for wind covering England between Blackpool in Lancashire and the south coast. It's in place between 3am and 9pm on Friday.
- Louis Allwood
Storm Dudley/Eunice driving tips
Here are Green Flag's top tips for driving in strong winds:
- Plan your journey – You wouldn’t go outside in freezing cold weather without a warm coat, so why head into a storm without first checking for disruption? Go online and plan your route to see if there are likely to be road closures or delays.
- Hold onto your doors – When you’re opening a car door in strong winds, especially from the inside, have a firm grip of the door handle and be prepared for the wind to catch it. High winds can cause serious damage to a door’s hinges.
- Think about where best to park – Try to avoid parking beneath trees or near a building’s roof, as falling debris could damage your car or cause serious injury.
- Grip the steering wheel firmly – Some drivers find it more relaxing with one hand on the steering wheel. This is never a good idea, especially when faced with strong gusts of wind. Grip the wheel firmly with both hands.
- Leave more room – Reduce speeds and increase the distance between you and other traffic, especially if roads are wet. Also, be wary of high-sided vehicles, motorbikes, and cyclists, they are all particularly vulnerable to the effects of the wind.
- Stay safe if you breakdown – if you find yourself experiencing a breakdown while travelling on the motorway it’s best to try and turn off the road at the next exit. If this isn’t possible, pull onto the hard shoulder and turn on your hazard warning lights. Exit the car using the doors facing away from passing traffic, wait behind a barrier and move up the bank at the side of the road if you can. Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting to make any repairs yourself, call for help, or call your breakdown provider who will ensure you’re safely back on the road as soon as possible.
- Louis Allwood
Easy ways to storm-proof your home
With Storm Dudley hitting the UK this week, expert property inspector Steve Rad of InventoryBase has shared his top 7 tips for storm-proofing your home:
- Get rid of overhanging or loose branches to help prevent damage in windy weather. Make sure to consult a tree surgeon and your local authority to ensure the work is carried out safely & legally.
- Clear all gutters & pipes – Blocked and damaged gutters can cause an overflow from water build-up resulting in flood damage.
- Check your roof for loose or cracked tiles. Compromised roof tiles will be the first casualties of severe weather, so get them repaired to avoid additional water damages from leaks.
- Secure loose external fittings on your house. These usually include – lights, hanging plants, alarms, and garden furniture. Failure to do so could result in them getting damaged or lost during a storm.
- Keep your heating on to avoid damage from cold pipes. Put the heating on for 1 hour a day to prevent your pipes from freezing up.
- Make sure you're insured. Check your insurance coverage beforehand so you know exactly what you’re covered for.
- Be prepared for strong winds by ensuring all doors, gates, and windows are fastened securely – failure to do so could result in external property damage for your home and others around you.
- Louis Allwood
Driving safe
Always keep enough room either side of your vehicle – Try and keep enough distance between you and any other vehicle on both sides of your car.
This will mean you will have plenty of space if wind was to unsettle your car and cause it to be blown sideways.
Be aware of gaps between trees, buildings or bridges – Gaps between buildings, bridges and trees can leave your car vulnerable to side winds, which doesn't help when you're trying to keep control of your car.
Be wary of them and approach with caution.
- Louis Allwood
UK weather outlook for Friday and Saturday
Friday will be unsettled and overcast with strong winds and heavy rain which will clear to blustery and squally showers.
Rain will fall as snow in the north. There is also a threat of gales.
Saturday will bring another wet and windy day with heavy rain pushing eastwards and may be wintry in nature.
- Louis Allwood
Tips: Driving in strong winds
Stick to main roads, where you can – It's best to stick to main roads during bad weather conditions, if it is possible.
Smaller roads can be poorly lit and you may not be able to see the road properly.
You're also less likely to come across any fallen branches and any debris that may have flown onto the road.Use both hands to grip the steering wheel – Wind battering your car can make it hard to control.
Keep both your hands firmly on the wheel to give yourself the most control of your vehicle as you can. - Louis Allwood
Expect weather chaos
Storm Dudley is expected to cause havoc, with gale force winds in tow today, and Storm Eunice will hit on Friday.
The most recent weather map from the Met Office has located where the storms are likely to hit and has issued numerous weather warnings.
The first of the two, Storm Dudley, is set to hit northern parts of the UK including Strathclyde, Yorkshire and the North West, and venture into the East of England.
However, most parts of the UK will still feel the hit of the windy weather.
Storm Eunice, which will follow on Friday, will bring strong winds and snow blizzards in places.
These extreme weather conditions can make driving extremely difficult, and drivers will need to be extra cautious on the roads.
- Louis Allwood
The difference between male & female storms
A study of American hurricanes has shed light on an alarming pattern and explained that more people are killed by "female" storms than those with male names.
The reason why is all down to how we subconsciously view gender, since we're more likely to assume that storms with female names will be less dangerous. This means people end up taking fewer precautions to protect themselves, according to researchers at the University of Illinois.
Incredibly, the 2014 study added that the more feminine the name, the more people a storm is likely to kill. The researchers even suggested that changing a hurricane's name from Charley to Eloise could triple the number of fatalities.
Co-author Sharon Shavitt, a professor at the University of Illinois, said: "In judging the intensity of a storm, people appear to be applying their beliefs about how men and women behave."
- Louis Allwood
Explained: Why are there no storms for Q, U, X, Y and Z?
To ensure the Met Office is in line with the US National Hurricane Centre naming conventions, it does not include names which begin with the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z.
This is to ensure consistency for official storm naming in the North Atlantic – to reduce confusion for fellow weather experts, sea captains and pilots.
In America, when all the names in the storm alphabet are used, the naming convention follows the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Gamma…).
- Louis Allwood
What will the next storm be named?
Following Storm Corrie, the next storm will be Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice.
Both of these are set to hit Wales starting from Wednesday, February 16 with Eunice arriving quickly after on Friday, February 18.
Places such as Anglesey have been warned of 70mph winds although the Met Office said: "There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds".
Northern England and Scotland could see up to 90mph winds with transport and travel severely impacted by the weather
There are amber warnings in place and concern about the threat to life from this double whammy.
Once these have passed, the next storm will be named Franklin.
- Louis Allwood
HUGE £20million turbine knocked over by 50mph gusts
The £20million machine had been buffeted by 50mph gusts as Storm Dudley swept in.
It woke people living nearby when it smashed to the ground, the boom echoing around the valley.
Resident Lydia Stephens said: “I thought it was thunder. How the hell does a wind turbine fall over?
“It was creaking and banging all night before it collapsed.
“One woman thought it was her neighbour’s tumble-dryer.”
The 300ft machine was one of ten at the Pant-y-Wal wind farm near Bridgend, in South Wales.
An investigation into Monday’s calamity has been launched — but residents want the other turbines, which produce enough power for 18,000 homes, to be checked.
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