A RED weather warning has been issued ahead of Storm Eunice which is expected to bring winds of up to 90mph tomorrow (February 18).

The Met Office has issued the rare warning - which it says means a ‘significant danger to life’ - as Storm Eunice is expected to bring extremely strong winds and continued disruption for much of the UK.

The Red Weather Warning for wind covers southwest coastal areas of the UK, where the most significant gusts in exposed areas could be in excess of 90mph from early Friday morning. Further inland and within the wider Amber Warning area, gusts will still be significant and damaging for many, with 70-80mph gusts possible. With such severe weather impacting the UK, people should stay up to date with the latest warnings as they could be updated.

Red warnings are rarely issued by the Met Office, with the last one coinciding with Storm Arwen in November 2021.

The wider Amber Warning area highlights the ongoing risk of high impacts such as disruption to power, travel and other services. Damage is also likely for buildings and trees. 

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “After the impacts from Storm Dudley for many on Wednesday, Storm Eunice will bring damaging gusts in what could be one of the most impactful storms to affect southern and central parts of the UK for a few years.”

“The red warning area indicates a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris. Although the most exposed coastal areas in the south and west could see gusts in excess of 90mph, winds will remain notably strong further inland, with gusts of between 70-80mph for most within the amber warning area.”

Storm Eunice follows on from Storm Dudley that brought high winds for many in the UK late on Wednesday and into Thursday.

In provisional figures, the highest gust speed captured by Met Office weather stations on Wednesday was 81mph at Capel Curig in Wales.