Millions of people have been urged to stay at home on Friday as Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially life-threatening winds to the north and west of the UK.

Storm Darragh in December was the last time a red weather warning was issued. Before this the last one was in January 2024 when winds battered the north east of Scotland.

The number of homes and busineses without electricity has increased to 715,000 as Storm Eowyn continues to rage across Ireland.

An emergency alert has been sent to millions of people in Scotland ahead of a rare red weather warning. People with compatible mobile phones living in the 22 council areas of the country expected to be worst hit by the storm received the alert at approximately 18:00.

Several weather warnings - ranging from yellow to red - have been issued across the country, with the worst conditions expected to hit Northern Ireland and Scotland

Storm forecasters say "a strong event cannot be ruled out" in the UK - with an explosive cyclogenesis caused by a major drop in air pressure bringing the "risk of a few tornados".

Forecasters said an amber weather warning would remain in place either side of the peak of the storm for severe gale force winds, with exposed coastal areas and

A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life

People have been urged to stay at home as violent storm force winds brought by Storm Éowyn batter the Isle of Man. A red weather warning has been put in place until 14:00 GMT, with Ronaldsway Met Office warning of gusts of up to 85mph (137km/h) in exposed areas.

A rare red weather warning for wind posing a “danger to life” has been issued for part of Scotland on Friday at the peak of Storm Eowyn. Forecasters warn gusts of up to 100mph could result in flying debris and pose a danger to life,