The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for coastal parts of south Wales and south-west England ahead of Storm Eunice, which is expected to arrive at 5am on Friday. Forecasters warn that the storm could be one of the most impactful to hit central and southern parts of the UK in 30 years, with winds of up to 90mph and, further north, heavy snow and blizzards.
People are being urged to stay at home on Friday, with rail services cancelled across Wales and widespread disruption expected. The red warning, in place between 7am and midday, covers Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and south Wales, where flying debris, roof damage, power cuts and uprooted trees pose a danger to life. A major incident has been declared in Cornwall, where winds could reach 100mph, and in Avon and Somerset, with both Severn crossings likely to close.
Flood warnings have been issued for parts of the Severn and Wye estuaries due to a predicted tidal surge, and residents are urged to check if they are in an at-risk area and take immediate action. The Environment Agency warns of severe and significant flooding along the south and west coastlines of England, coinciding with spring tides on Friday morning.
All Welsh train services are suspended for Friday, and Network Rail says disruption across the wider network is inevitable. Several attractions, including the London Eye, Legoland, Warwick Castle, Kew Gardens and Bristol Zoo, will be closed. In London, Richmond, Bushy and Greenwich parks are shut, and shelters have been opened for rough sleepers. The Dartford Crossing is expected to close from 5am.
Storm Eunice, caused by explosive cyclogenesis or a 'weather bomb', follows Storm Dudley, which left thousands of homes without power in northern England. The government's Cobra emergency committee has met to coordinate the response, and the army is on standby if needed. Amber wind warnings cover all of England from 5am to 9pm on Friday, while yellow warnings for wind and snow apply to much of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
