Britons have been warned that that upcoming Storm Eowyn has been described as “exceptionally dangerous”, with strong winds bringing a risk-to-life warning with it.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for Friday into Saturday, as BBC forecaster Chris Fawkes warned that the winds will lead to disruptions such as damage to buildings, power cuts and flying debris that could threaten lives.

They also said Eowyn will disrupt travel, with road, rail, airports and ferries likely to be affected.

This weekend, the UK could see the strongest winds of the winter so far.

Eowyn, the fifth-named storm of the season and the first of 2025, could bring winds of 90mph or even higher in the worst affected areas.

When will Storm Eowyn hit the UK?

Storm Eowyn is expected to make landfall in Ireland on Thursday before moving onto Great Britain on Friday when a yellow weather warning comes into effect.

BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes said on Wednesday that the storm was “exceptionally dangerous“, adding: “It may be the strongest system we’ve seen across this part of the world since storm Debbie hit in the 1960s… These warnings are going to need to be upgraded in time.”

Storm Debbie – also known as Hurricane Debbie – causing significant flooding and damage in September 1961. It led to the deaths of 15 people in Ireland and brought record rainfall, with some areas receiving over 300mm in 24 hours, resulting in widespread flooding and destruction.

While the UK did not experience the same level of devastation, Scotland and parts of northern England experienced heavy rainfall and some flooding from Debbie’s remnants.

The change to conditions this week is being caused by a powerful jet stream pushing low pressure across the Atlantic and towards the UK, following a recent cold spell over North America, the Met Office said.

Which Met Office weather warnings are in place?

Ahead of the storm, yellow weather warnings for fog are in place for parts of the country on Wednesday morning.

Most of Northern Ireland, northeastern areas including York, Hull and Lincoln and large parts of the northwest – including Manchester and Liverpool – are affected by the fog. The warnings are in place until 11am Wednesday.

As Storm Eowyn hits, yellow weather warnings for wind have been issued for all of the UK except for London and parts of the south east.

Three warnings will run throughout Friday begin to ease in the south, with an additional yellow warning in place for all of Scotland continuing until 3pm on Saturday.

A yellow weather warning for wind is in place in Northern Ireland and northwestern Scotland from midnight on Friday until midday Saturday.

The Met Office said winds this weekend could reach 60-70mph inland and 80-90mph along some coasts and hills – perhaps even higher in a few locations – in the North of England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere, winds are expected to range between 50mph and 70mph. Wind strength is expected to gradually ease through Saturday from the south, the forecaster added.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, north-western Wales and western Scotland, where exposed sites could get gusts in excess of 80mph, which has the potential to cause impacts for those in these areas.

“There will also be some heavy rain, bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.”

Another area of low pressure could bring further wet and very windy weather across the UK by Sunday, the Met Office said.

There is the potential for further weather warnings over the weekend and throughout next week, the forecaster added.

The last named storm to hit the country this season, Storm Darragh, on 6 December, saw a rare red warning issued, with winds peaking at 96mph at Barry Head in Devon.

What to prounce ‘Eowyn’?

For those of you wondering, no, it is not an Irish spelling of the name “Owen”.

The Met Office’s Andrea Bishop said during a forecast of the storm that the name is pronounced: “Ay-oh-win.”

How to prepare for stormy weather

Issuing guidance to those affected by the yellow warning area, the Met Office advises people to check for loose items outside their homes and think about how to secure them to protect their property.

This could include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

Travellers should give themselves the best possible chance by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, to avoid delays.

Stocking up on torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essentials will help in the event of a power cut.

Those near the coast should take care if walking near cliffs, should be sure of the route they are taking and should keep dogs on a lead. Even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea, the Met Office warns.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly, the forecaster adds, advising people to stay up to date with forecasts in their area.

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