Storm Éowyn, already described the storm as an "exceptional weather event" by police in Northern Ireland, has hit the UK - and it poses a danger to life for many

It takes its name from the jet of air producing the “sting in the tail” of the storm, and the strongest winds usually last between three to four hours across an area as small as 30 miles. The so-called Great Storm in October 1987, which claimed 18 lives, is one example of this happening.

The Met Office has issued an urgent update on a previously issued red alert as Storm Eowyn causes mass chaos across the UK with widespread travel disruptions and school closures. Red wind warnings are in effect in Northern Ireland until 2pm on Friday and in western central and southern areas of Scotland until 5pm.