HUNDREDS of schools are expected to close and three rail firms have urged customers not to travel ahead of 100mph storms.
A tornado has caused havoc in Cornwall as Storm Eowyn approaches and train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland.
The forecaster told The Sun: "all the evidence we've seen is consistent with there having been a tornado in Cornwall."
All schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close on Friday amid a rare red warning for wind issued for Storm Eowyn, Stormont’s Education Minister Paul Givan has said.
He said: "I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.
"Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home."
Avanti West Coast has advised people against travelling north of Preston or on any North Wales route.
People should not travel in areas covered by the rare red weather warning in Scotland, the country’s First Minister John Swinney has announced at the Scottish Parliament.
TransPennine is "urging" against travel between Manchester, Liverpool and Scotland, as well as York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
LNER is advising people not to travel to and from stations north of York.
The warning covers the whole of Northern Ireland between 7am and 2pm and in parts of southern Scotland between 10m and 5pm, with widespread disruption expected.
Forecasters are warning of flying debris resulting in danger to life, as well as "very dangerous" driving conditions because of fallen trees.
There may also be power cuts, damage to buildings and homes, and delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.
A Met Office spokesperson said peak rush hour wind speeds of 80-90mph are expected across Northern Ireland, with up to 100mph in some exposed locations.
"An extremely windy spell with disruption and potentially damaging winds tomorrow morning," he said.
Met Eireann has issued a rare nationwide red warning for wind across the Republic of Ireland, describing possible "danger to life".
Irish premier Simon Harris said there is an "extreme" risk to life during Storm Eowyn.
The Taoiseach said he had been briefed on the storm approaching Ireland from midnight.
"Storm Eowyn is dangerous, destructive and damaging," he said.
"We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide red. The risk to life is extreme and real.
"You need to pay attention. Do not travel. Do not go near the sea."
The record for a gust in Northern Ireland is 124mph in Kilkeel in Co Down in January 1974.
A "tornado" has caused havoc in Cornwall as Storm Eowyn approaches.
It comes after the European Storm Forecast Experiment said the possibility of tornadoes striking southern regions couldn't be ruled out, sparking a level two alert.
One local, Luke Feely, said the tornado tore off the roof of his home in Quintrell Downs, near Newquay.
He told CornwallLive: "It came right through our estate. It's damaged my roof, and my neighbours' roofs have been severely damaged.
"It was very scary and my partner is still shook up. Lots of damage, oh my god, there's fences, there's trees, there's garden equipment everywhere. Never seen anything like it."
Northern rail has issued do not travel warnings for these services:
The Met Office has issued yellow wind warning for today (Thursday, January 23), which began at 7am and is set to last until 6pm.
It is the first of several warnings which have been issued for the coming days, ahead of Storm Eowyn to hit the UK on Friday.
It said coastal areas are likely to be affected by sea spray, large waves and the strongest gusts of wind, and today's warning includes all of Cornwall, Plymouth and the north Devon and Somerset coastlines. Parts of the south coast and the coast of Wales are also affected.
Storm Forecast Experiment published a map putting southern England under a level 2 tornado warning for severe wind gusts with a few tornado events possible.
The Met Office told the Sun: "There is a small chance of an isolated tornado today (January 23) as a squally front moves eastwards, primarily Wales and central and/or southern parts of England, but the chance in any one location is very low.
"Most areas will just experience a period of heavy rain and gusty winds, perhaps with some hail and thunder in places, before it clears to the North Sea during the afternoon."
Passengers have been advised not to travel tomorrow with Network Rail warning that trains could be cancelled at very short notice with "onward connection not possible".
The Met Office expects "very strong winds and widespread disruption" when the amber warning comes into force across much of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England at 6am tomorrow.
It remains in place until 9pm on Friday, with power cuts "likely to occur" and even mobile phone coverage expected to be impacted.
Road, rail, air and ferry services are also likely to be affected.
The warning adds: "Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."
All of the UK is covered by warnings, including for wind and rain, though the majority are yellow rather than amber.
Today the Environment Agency has 14 flood alerts in place across England.
Storm Éowyn is expected to pass close to or across the northwest of the UK on Friday before moving to the northeast on Saturday.
The Met Office said there is some uncertainty in the track of the storm but can confirm there will be be powerful gales.
"A spell of very strong winds is likely, initially southeasterly before turning westerly, with peak gusts of 50-60 mph inland, 60-70 mph around some coasts and hills," the forecaster added.
"Perhaps up to 80 mph in exposed parts of western Scotland."
As well as a windy end to the week, Brits are told to expect 15-25mm of rain in most areas, and 40-60mm over high ground.
A spokesperson for The Met said: "Storm Eowyn is expected to bring very strong winds and widespread disruption on Friday.
"Power cuts are likely to occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage."
From Friday, high impact warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, northern England, and north and west Wales.
The heavy wind and rain in Storm Eowyn will be caused by low pressure over the Atlantic interacting with a jet stream.
This causes a phenomenon, also known as a "weather bomb" which are powerful gales that can cause structural damage.
Much of this extreme weather will settle down by Friday evening at 9pm, particularly in the south.
Multiple train operators have issued a do not travel warning ahead of storm Eowyn.
Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland on Friday. because it would “not be safe to operate passenger services due to the forecast weather conditions”.
Train operator ScotRail has suspended all services across Scotland on Friday because it would “not be safe to operate passenger services due to the forecast weather conditions”.
Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Grand Central have told customers not to travel on routes across parts of North Wales and Scotland as "very strong winds, rain and snow" are expected to disrupt train services from Friday.
National Rail said in a statement published on Thursday: "A yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for today, affecting southern parts of England and the coast of Wales.
"In addition to this, red, amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued due to Storm Eowyn and is expected to bring very strong winds, rain and snow to most parts of Great Britain on Friday 24 January, and across parts of northern England and Scotland on Saturday 25 January.
"Strong winds can blow trees into infrastructure, damaging the overhead lines that power electric trains.
"The winds can mean it's unsafe to carry out repairs at height - or with certain machinery until the winds have dropped.
"Trains may have to run at a reduced speed causing delays to your journey."
The AA has issued updated advice to people travelling in areas covered by the red weather warning.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "As the warning has risen from amber to red in the most northern and western areas of the UK, we urge drivers to consider whether their journey is necessary and if not, postpone it.
"If you do need to travel, make sure you're prepared for what you may encounter. Expect to come across fallen branches and other debris on the roads, especially in rural areas.
"Allow extra time for your journey, as it's likely to take longer than usual.
"Pack the essentials for emergencies in case you do break down - warm waterproof clothing, a torch and a flask of hot drink.
Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worst should happen."
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