Thousands of people are without power and 45 schools will remain closed on Friday as Storm Éowyn brings severe gales. Several weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, including an amber warning for strong winds.

As Storm Éowyn hits the country on Friday, all 76 cities in the UK could face power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage, the Met Office said

"It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again. The wind strength will gradually ease across southern areas later on Friday."