New Storm Eowyn weather map shows where 90mph winds are set to hit as Met Office issues danger to life warning
The Met Office has issued new weather warnings ahead of the first named storm of 2025, with winds of more than 90mph expected to batter the UK.
Storm Eowyn - pronounced 'ay-oh-win' - will bring forceful gusts expected to cause power cuts, travel disruption and damage to buildings, as well as a potential danger to life caused by flying debris.
Gusts of up to 80mph could hit western Scotland, with 60 to 70mph widely across the rest of Scotland, North West England, North West Wales and Northern Ireland - after a 'weather bomb' develops above the ocean on Thursday morning.
The Met Office said the deep area of low pressure could bring 'potentially disruptive weather' as torrential rain and snow will also move across the UK in four days' time.
The UK can expect the arrival of unsettled conditions from tomorrow, which will see strengthening winds and heavy rainfall in western parts of the country overnight, the forecaster said.
The highest rainfall accumulations are likely in western parts of Scotland, England and Wales where 20-30mm could fall in places.
It follows the 'benign' grey, cloudy weather and outbreaks of rain seen by much of the country earlier in the week.
The Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning from midnight on Friday across most of the UK, including the south-west of England, the Midlands, northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, as the storm sweeps through the country.
The disruption is not expected to affect inland areas in the south-east of the country, including London, but will hit the coast, with the warning extending to Brighton and Dover.
Yellow weather warnings in place for Friday
Met Office weather warnings in place for Saturday
The forecaster issued an additional warning from midnight on Saturday to late afternoon that day across Scotland and the far north of England.
Met Office spokeswoman Andrea Bishop said: 'Storm Eowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday.
'Pronounced 'Ay-oh-win', the system will begin to influence the UK's weather on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in north-western parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall.'
Storm Eowyn will bring a spell of strong south-easterly to south-westerly winds, with gusts reaching 50-60 mph inland and 70-80 mph along coasts.
Forecasters said a strong temperature contrast from the clash of tropical and Arctic air will fuel a 'very powerful' Jet Stream with winds of up to 250mph.
The Jet Stream will develop above the North Atlantic this week, with the Met Office expecting 'perhaps the strongest winds of the winter so far' by Friday.
The wind strength is expected to ease gradually through Saturday from the south.
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.'
The storm is expected undergo explosive cyclogenesis – a term more commonly known as a 'weather bomb' – in the Atlantic on Thursday.
This criteria is met when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls by more than 24 millibars in 24 hours.
Marco Petagna, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said the central pressure of this low in the Atlantic may deepen by 35 millibars in the first 12 hours of Thursday.
He described this as 'pretty remarkable' in a tweet, given that the system would easily pass the weather bomb criteria in just half the time required.
The Jet Stream will develop above the North Atlantic this week, with the Met Office expecting 'perhaps the strongest winds of the winter so far' by Friday (stock image)
On Friday, the jet stream will reach Britain bringing in Storm Éowyn with wet and windy weather expected for all
A Met Office forecast map shows Storm Éowyn's winds swirling across Britain on Friday
The forecaster advised securing loose items outside homes, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines and sheds, and gathering torches and batteries in case of any power cut.
Those travelling in this 'disruptive spell of weather' are urged to be cautious, as road, rail, airports and ferries are likely to be affected.
Another area of low pressure could bring further wet and very windy weather across the UK by Sunday.
There is the potential for further weather warnings over the weekend and throughout next week, the Met Office added.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: 'Storm Eowyn will bring a period of very unsettled, potentially disruptive, weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday.
'The strongest gusts are likely to be felt across parts of Northern Ireland, northern England, northwestern 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.'
The Met Office added: 'If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves.
'Even from the shore, large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.'
